PURPOSE: To compare the participation ratings between children with special educational needs and their primary caregivers and investigate the activities children desire to change and their participation-based goals.

METHODS: Twenty children with special educational needs aged 8 to 12 years were interviewed using the Functioning Scale of the Disability Evaluation System-Child to measure participation frequency and independence and select desire-to-change activities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities, and Health-based Collaborative Problem Solving was used to form participation-based goals.

RESULTS: Children reported participation differently from their primary caregivers. Nineteen children identified desire-to-change activities mostly related to the home and community settings and indicated a desire to change participation frequency. Children's participation-based goals reflected their desires to do their preferred activities more often.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with special educational needs had unique perspectives different from those of their caregivers, and they could identify desired activities and set participation goals with semi-structured methods.