# Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-pediatric-evaluation-of-disability-inventory-pedi-and-what-does-it-assess Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) is a structured assessment of a child's everyday functional skills — self-care, mobility and social function — and how much caregiver help they need. It is not a diagnosis but a way to understand a child's daily abilities, set meaningful goals and track progress, and is commonly used with children who have developmental delays or disabilities. *A gentle, structured way to map what a child can actually do each day — from feeding themselves to joining in — and how much help they still need.* ## In short The **Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)** is a well-established assessment that measures a child's everyday functional abilities — the practical skills of daily life — rather than simply diagnosing a condition. It looks at what a child can do across three areas: **self-care**, **mobility** and **social function**, and also notes **how much help** a caregiver currently provides. It is widely used with children who have developmental delays or disabilities to understand their starting point, plan support and track progress over time. ## What the PEDI assesses The PEDI focuses on real, everyday function — the skills that help a child take part in family and community life. It is usually organised around three domains: - **Self-care** — eating, dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, washing and other personal routines. - **Mobility** — moving around the home and community, transfers (such as getting in and out of a chair or bath), and getting up and down stairs. - **Social function** — communication, play, interaction, problem-solving and joining in with others. Alongside what a child *can* do, the PEDI captures the **level of caregiver assistance** and any **modifications or equipment** a child uses. This twin view — capability plus support needed — is what makes it so useful: two children with the same diagnosis can have very different daily lives, and the PEDI brings that into focus. It is typically completed with a clinician through structured interview and observation, and is designed for children across a broad range of abilities, including those with cerebral palsy, developmental delay and other conditions affecting daily function. ## How it is used Because it measures function rather than labelling, the PEDI is valuable for setting meaningful, child-centred goals, choosing the right supports, and showing change over time — for example, before and after a period of [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate). It complements, rather than replaces, a full clinical assessment. ## The Pinnacle way This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our therapists use validated tools like the [PEDI](/pedi) alongside their own observations to understand your child's everyday strengths and build a practical, individualised plan. ## Trusted sources The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the World Health Organization frameworks on functioning and participation describe why everyday-function measures matter; the Rehabilitation Council of India sets standards for assessment practice in India. **Next step —** If you would like to understand your child's everyday abilities and the support that would help most, book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle Blooms Network clinician. ## Sources - ASHA on functional assessment and participation: https://www.asha.org/ - WHO framework on functioning and participation: https://www.who.int/ - Rehabilitation Council of India: assessment standards: https://rehabcouncil.nic.in/ ## Connected topics and perspectives - Assessments: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/assessments - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition - Measure: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/measure - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/screen - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - At what age is the PEDI developmental assessment used for a child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/at-what-age-is-the-pedi-developmental-assessment-used-for-a-child ### Understand assessment - Should my child have a PEDI assessment, and what does it involve?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-my-child-have-a-pedi-assessment-and-what-does-it-involve - PEDI: indications, strengths and limits in early childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-is-the-pedi-indicated-and-what-are-its-strengths-and-limits-in-early-childhood - How the PEDI compares with the AbilityScore developmental assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-the-pedi-compare-with-the-abilityscore-developmental-assessment - How a Clinician Assesses and Tracks Self-Care Dexterity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-clinician-assess-and-track-a-child-s-progress-in-learning-to-self-care-dexterity ### Explore therapy & support - How is a child's adaptive development assessed?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-a-child-s-adaptive-development-assessed