Agenesis of the corpus callosum: classifying functional manifestations with the ICF-CY

Abstract

Purpose: Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a congenital condition in which the corpus callosum fails to develop fully. In the literature, ACC has been broadly conceptualized and inconsistently described. This article demonstrates how the universal language of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth can increase the specificity with which researchers and clinicians describe the variable manifestations of ACC. Methods: The database for this article was based on a review of 83 studies on developmental and neuropsychological manifestations of congenital ACC in children and adolescents. First, the extent to which the findings on ACC could be documented using the taxonomic codes in the ICF-CY was examined. Next, the findings from each study were mapped onto the ICF-CY to summarize the distribution of clinical features reported in the literature. Results: There was a high degree of correspondence between the reported findings and the taxonomic codes of the ICF-CY. The distribution of clinical features was discussed. Conclusions: This taxonomic application advances the ICF-CY as a common language for researchers and clinicians who work with children who have ACC.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a condition that has been broadly conceptualized and inconsistently described in research and practice.

• The variable clinical manifestations of children with ACC can be most effectively described using the ICF-CY.

• The application of the ICF-CY to conditions with highly variable clinical manifestations, like ACC, positively impacts research and practice.

• Agenesis of the corpus callosum
• callosal dysgensis
• functional limitations
• ICF-CY
• impairments

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Stephen R. Hooper and Rebecca E. Pretzel for their feedback and support during this project.