7/29/23, 11:43 AM Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)

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Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System Project (EDACS)

Implementing the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)

Speech and Language: developing an intervention together

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7/29/23, 11:43 AM Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)

News

Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for Individuals

with Cerebral Palsy (EDACS)

People with cerebral palsy cannot use the range of physical movement available to most of us.
Difficulties may occur in the development of walking, speech and hand function. The movements
involved in biting, chewing and swallowing are frequently affected. Children and young people with
cerebral palsy may have problems eating enough food to grow and to stay healthy because it is
challenging to move their mouths to eat and drink efficiently. Some of them will have problems with
frequent chest infections because particles of food or drink enter their lungs when they swallow. These
difficulties continue throughout their lives.

We developed the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) for people with cerebral
palsy. EDACS describes five distinct levels of ability using the key features of safety and efficiency:

EDACS Descriptions and Illustrations

We developed EDACS by consulting with people with cerebral palsy, parents and experts around the
world. EDACS has been tested to see how easy and reliable it is when used by speech and language
therapists and parents.

EDACS is the product of an independent research project funded for three years by the National Institute
of Health Research, under its Research for Patient Benefit Programme (Grant Reference Number PB-
PG-1208-18144). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS,
the NIHR or the Department of Health.

Information about EDACS

Development and Reliability of EDACS - Sellers et al, 2013

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology video podcast

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7/29/23, 11:43 AM Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS)

Plain English Summary

Cerebral Palsy – Common Data Elements Summary
A common data language for clinical research studies: the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke and American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
Cerebral Palsy Common Data Elements Version 1.0 recommendations
The Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for cerebral palsy: a study of reliability and
stability over time
Reliability and validity of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) for children
with cerebral palsy in Taiwan
Mini-EDACS: Development of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System for young
children with cerebral palsy
Development of Mini-EDACS podcast DMCN

Download EDACS +

Development of Mini-EDACS 18 months to 3 years +

Other Functional Classification Systems +

Contact +

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