Social and Community Participation in Youth with Cerebral Palsy

Physical Therapy has published research on the social and community participation levels of children and youth with cerebral palsy. Children and youth in Gross Motor Function Classification Level I (GMFCS) participated in more activities with friends and others compared to children with GMFCS II, III, IV and V. Another difference that was noted indicated that children and youth in GMFCS Level I, IV and V participated in more activities outside the home than in GMFCS Level II and III. There was no difference seen between males and females.

In other words, children/youth who walk without limitations or use a wheelchair participated more in activities outside the home than children/youth who walk with limitations or use hand held mobility devices. Interesting...

Reference: Palisano, Robert J., Kang, Lin-Ju, Chiarello, Lisa A., Orlin, Margo, Oeffinger, Donna, Maggs, Jill Social and Community Participation of Children and Youth With Cerebral Palsy Is Associated With Age and Gross Motor Function Classification PHYS THER 2009 89: 1304-1314

More info on Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy.