Participation patterns and determinants of participation of young children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding participation patterns of young children with cerebral palsy (CP) will enable occupational therapists to tailor family- and child-centred services. This study compares participation patterns and participation barriers of young children with CP with those of typically developing (TD) children. In addition, effect of age and gender on participation were examined as well as child-related determinants of participation for young children with CP. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 110 young children with CP and 150 TD children, aged 36–72 months. Children with CP represented different levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). The Arabic Preschool Activity Card Sort was used to measure participation level as well as barriers of participation. T-tests, ANOVA, and exploratory regressions were employed. Significance was set at p