Background: It is unknown whether the Supports Intensity Scale-Children’s version (SIS-C) is
valid and useful to assess support needs for children with motor and intellectual disabilities.
Aims: (a) To assess the structural validity of the SIS-C using factor analyses in a sample of
children with motor disabilities; and (b) to analyze the SIS-C’s reliability and its discriminative
capacity in children with different levels of motor function.
Methods and Procedures: A cross-sectional design was used to assess 210 children (aged 5–16
years). Among them, 88% had an intellectual disability and 84% had cerebral palsy, with variations
in mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification System; level V: 56.19%), handling of
objects (Manual Ability Classification System; level V: 38.09%), and communicating
(Communication Function Classification System; level V: 42.86%).
Outcomes and Results: The model with seven support needs factors and three method factors
showed the best fit. The support needs model was reliable and indicated high convergent validity.
However, the SIS-C scores showed a strong ceiling effect in children with more significant limitations
in gross and fine motor functions.
Conclusions and Implications: The seven-dimensional model of support needs could be replicated
in children with motor disabilities. However, the usefulness of SIS-C is limited in discriminating
between children with greater restrictions in mobility and handling of objects.
