Diagnostic Criteria for Paediatric Joint Hypermobility

Did you know that paediatric clients with joint hypermobility are assessed using a different framework to adults? 

The change occurred in 2023 and significantly changed how kids are assessed and diagnosed. The significant changes include:

   ☆ Kids are no longer diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

   ☆ Paediatric diagnoses are grouped into Asymptomatic and Symptomatic conditions

   ☆ The involvement of comorbidities and skin signs to help differentiate the diagnosis

The Asymptomatic diagnoses include:

   ☆ Paediatric Generalised Joint Hypermobility

   ☆ Paediatric Generalised Joint Hypermobility with Skin Involvement

The Symptomatic diagnoses include:

   ☆ Paediatric Generalised Joint Hypermobility with Core Comorbidities

   ☆ Paediatric Generalised Joint Hypermobility with Core Comorbidities with Skin Involvement

   ☆ Paediatric Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, Musculoskeletal Subtype

   ☆ Paediatric Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, Musculoskeletal Subtype with Skin Involvement

   ☆ Paediatric Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder: Systemic Subtype

   ☆ Paediatric Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder: Systemic Subtype with Skin Involvement

The diagnostic labels are designed to be somewhat fluid, meaning that a child’s diagnostic label could change as growth and symptoms develop.

Once they reach biological maturity or 18 years, whichever comes first, they are then reassessed using the adult 2017 criteria. 

What does that mean for you as an OT?

It impacts OTs in two main areas:

Awareness & Knowledge 

   ☆ Being aware of the new diagnostic categories and what they mean builds your confidence and helps clients have confidence that you’re up to date with the latest information about their condition.

   ☆ Knowing what to look out for when kiddos present to you without a diagnosis but clearly have joint hypermobility +/- other symptoms. 

Intervention planning 

   ☆ Planning SAFE and EFFECTIVE interventions for kids requires understanding what they’re dealing with on a day-to-day basis, as well as the areas of their body that may be most vulnerable.

   ☆ Taking into account the vulnerability of joints, skin and body systems involved to ensure you’re not causing any harm or damage with your chosen therapy activities. 

If that feels a bit daunting, or it’s something you’re keen to learn more about to help the kiddos you encounter each week, you’re in luck. We cover this and so much more in the online course Hypermobility for Paediatric Occupational Therapists. Registrations will be opening again soon!

Need to find out more about the new Framework ASAP? Head to this page of the Ehlers-Danlos Society website.