What the WHODAS 2.0 is
The WHODAS 2.0 was developed by the World Health Organization as a general measure of health and disability. It is not tied to any one diagnosis, so it can be used for physical, intellectual, neurological and mental health conditions alike. It is linked to the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the framework many therapists use to describe function.
It is designed for adults. Each question asks how much difficulty you have had with an activity in the last 30 days, rated from none to extreme or cannot do.
The six domains
- Cognition: understanding, remembering, concentrating and solving problems
- Mobility: standing, moving around inside the home and getting out of the house
- Self care: washing, dressing, eating and staying by yourself
- Getting along: dealing with people, making friends and keeping relationships
- Life activities: household responsibilities, and work or study
- Participation: joining in community activities, and the impact of barriers and other people's attitudes
The 12 and 36 item versions
The 36 item version gives the most detail, with a score for each of the six domains and an overall score. The WHO says it takes around 20 minutes. The 12 item version takes around 5 minutes and gives an overall score only. A combined 12+24 version starts with the short form and adds questions only where difficulties show up.
Each version can be completed by you, by a professional interviewing you in person or by phone, or by a proxy such as a family member or carer who knows you well. For NDIS evidence, the 36 item version is usually more useful because it shows which areas of life are most affected.
How the NDIS uses the WHODAS 2.0
When you apply, the NDIA needs to see how your disability affects your functional capacity. Its list of preferred evidence names the WHODAS 2.0 as a functional assessment for people aged 17 and over across many disability types, with PEDI-CAT used for children 16 and under.
For psychosocial disability, the NDIA asks for a statement from a treating health professional plus a functional assessment. Its preferred tools, in order, are the LSP-16, HoNOS and WHODAS. Any of them can be completed by a treating professional, and the WHODAS can also include the view of people who know you well.
WHODAS scores are also handy evidence at a plan reassessment, because repeating it shows whether things have changed over time.
Who can complete it and what it costs
GPs, psychologists, occupational therapists, mental health nurses and other clinicians commonly use the WHODAS 2.0. Because it is short, it is often done as part of a longer appointment or a functional capacity assessment rather than on its own.
If you are a participant, an assessment that includes a WHODAS is usually paid from the improved daily living skills part of your Capacity Building budget. Before you join the NDIS, your GP or treating team may be able to complete it within a normal appointment.
Tips for an accurate result
- Answer about the last 30 days, including bad days, not about your best possible day
- If your condition comes and goes, say so and describe what a difficult period looks like
- Ask someone who knows you well to help, or to complete a proxy version as well
- Make sure the clinician explains the scores in plain words in their report
- Keep copies so you can compare results at your next reassessment