Validation of the French Version of the Drooling Impact Scale in a Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Population

Validity, Reliability and Responsiveness to Change of the French Version of the Drooling Impact Scale in a Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Population.

The aim of this study is to present the French translation of the Drooling Impact Scale (DIS-F) and to explore its validity, reliability and responsiveness to change in a group of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Drooling in children with CP is likely underestimated and under treated. It is an over-handicap for these children, because it causes many complications and may lead to a decline in self-esteem and to social isolation, altering the quality of life for patients and families. The therapeutic arsenal for the management of drooling includes rehabilitation techniques, oral drug treatments, local treatments or surgical treatments whose effectiveness is variable. In order to evaluate the efficacy of these therapies, standardized and valid assessment tools must be used. The Drooling Impact Scale (DIS) developed by Dr. Sue Reid's team in Melbourne in 2008, shows good validity and sensitivity to change, especially after botulinum toxin injection. It is commonly used in English-speaking studies, but no validation in French is available yet.

The aim of this study is to present the French translation of the Drooling Impact Scale (DIS-F) and to explore its validity, reliability and responsiveness to change in a group of children with CP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cerebral palsy
• Hypersialorrhea
• No change in content and frequency of speech therapy for three months following baseline
• At least 1 out of 2 parents must have a clear understanding of french language
• Oral consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• No clear understanding of french language