Comparative study of home and community participation among children with and without cerebral palsy

Milena Milićević, Goran Nedović

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at increased risk of reduced participation. Parental evaluation of child's participation is often the decision-making factor in the process of special education and/or rehabilitation. Examine and compare home and community participation of children with CP and typical development (TD) and the associations between their parents' desire for change and participation dimensions in both settings. This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 110 children with CP (55% males; mean age 12.7 years) and 134 children with TD (49% males; mean age 12.1 years). The Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) was used. Home and community participation and environmental supportiveness of children with CP were lower compared to children with TD (p < .001, family income controlled). The effect sizes indicated that there may be no clinically important difference in participation frequency. Parents of children with CP desired change if participation was less diverse at home, less frequent in the community, or if involvement was lower in both settings (environmental supportiveness and income controlled). At home, parents expressed a desire for change more intensely through the range of activities, while parents of children with TD emphasized participation frequency. In the community, parents of children with CP equally perceived participation diversity and focused more on frequency and involvement.