Summary of definitions for recommended outcome categories (British Association of Perinatal Medicine 2008)
| Criteria for | Severe neurodevelopmental disability | Moderate neurodevelopmental disability |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Any one of the below: | Any one of the below: |
| Motor | Cerebral palsy with GMFCS level 3, 4 or 5 | Cerebral palsy with GMFCS level 2 |
| Cognitive function | Score <−3SDs below norm (DQ<55) | Score −2SD to -3SD below norm (DQ 55–70) |
| Hearing | No useful hearing even with aids (profound >90 dBHL) | Hearing loss corrected with aids (usually moderate 40–70 dBHL) or Some hearing but loss not corrected by aids (usually severe 70–90dBHL) |
| Speech and Language | No meaningful words/signs or unable to comprehend cued command (ie, commands only understood in a familiar situation or with visual cues eg, gestures) | Some but fewer than 5 words or signs or unable to comprehend uncued command but able to comprehend a cued command |
| Vision | Blind or can only perceive light or light reflecting objects | seems to have moderately reduced vision but better than severe visual impairment; or blind in one eye with good vision in the contralateral eye |
| Other disabilities (included as additional impairments to severe or moderate neurodevelopmental disability) | ||
| Respiratory | Requires continued respiratory support or oxygen | Limited exercise tolerance |
| Gastrointestinal | Requires parenteral nutrition, gavage or gastrostomy feeding | On special diet or has stoma |
| Renal | Requires dialysis or awaiting organ transplant | Renal impairment requiring treatment or special diet |
GMFCS; Gross Motor Function Classification System; SD, standard deviation; DQ, developmental quotient