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• For people with CP

  Classification systems

  The most important ones at a glance

  
  • Bilateral, leg-predominantBoth legs affected
  • HemiparesisOne side of the body affected
  • Unilateral, leg-predominantOne leg affected
  • Whole body affectedWhole body affected
  • People with CPPeople with CP

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  Easy-to-read summary

  Medical and therapy reports often contain abbreviations like GMFCS, MACS, CFCS or EDACS, usually without explanation. This Power-up explains the five common classification systems to you: GMFCS for mobility, MACS for hand use, CFCS for communication, EDACS for eating and drinking, and VFCS for vision. Each system divides everyday abilities into five levels, and you can be at a different level in each system. Using case examples, you learn to classify the systems yourself. This way you share a common language with your doctors, your therapy team and your school, training or workplace, and you can set realistic goals.

  This Power-up explains 5 systems. They show what you can do well in everyday life and where you need help.

  What is a classification system?

  A classification system describes your everyday life.
  It shows: What goes well?
  Where do you need help?
  It does not describe CP.

  There are 5 systems

  Each system looks at one area:

  • The GMFCS looks at movement.
  • The MACS looks at the hands.
  • The CFCS looks at communication: Do you understand others? Do others understand you?
  • The EDACS looks at eating and drinking.
  • The VFCS looks at seeing.

  Each system has 5 levels

  All systems have 5 levels.
  Level 1 means: little help needed.
  Level 5 means: a lot of help needed.

  You have a level for each area

  The levels can be different.
  An example: Lina.
  Lina needs a lot of help with walking.
  Lina needs almost no help with talking.
  Both are true at the same time.

  Are you older than 18?

  The GMFCS has descriptions up to age 18.
  Are you older?
  Then read the description for ages 12 to 18.
  It helps you too.

  Everyone talks about the same thing

  Your doctors use these systems.
  Your therapy team uses them too.
  You can also use them at school.
  Or in your training and at work.
  So everyone talks about the same thing.

  The systems also help you with your goals.
  You find goals that suit you.