Family-Centred Functional Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

In this paper we describe the development and initial evaluation of a family-centred functional approach to therapy for young children with cerebral palsy. The family-centred functional therapy approach is based on theoretical concepts from family-centred service and a systems approach to motor development. Principles of this approach include an emphasis on functional performance, and providing therapy when movement behaviors are amenable to change. Therapy focuses on identifying and changing performance constraints in the task, the child or the environment. Four initial studies were completed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of the family-centred functional therapy approach. Results indicate that children receiving this approach improve in functional performance over the course of intervention. Development of the therapy approach needs to continue to enable therapists to develop methods to identify a broader range of factors that enable or constrain task performance. Further development of specific therapeutic strategies is also required, particularly strategies that focus on changing the task or the environment around the child as a means to improve performance.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary Law

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.