Assistive technology for promoting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy: ten cases evaluation

Abstract

Objectives: To extend the use of assistive technology for promoting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy. To assess its effects on positive participation of ten participants involved. To carry out a social validation recruiting parents, physiotherapists and support teachers as external raters.

Method: A multiple probe design was implemented for Studies I and II. Study I involved five participants exposed to a combined program aimed at enhancing choice process of preferred items and locomotion fluency. Study II involved five further children for a combined intervention finalized at ensuring them with literacy access and ambulation responses. Study III recruited 60 external raters for a social validation assessment.

Results: All participants improved their performance, although differences among children occurred. Indices of positive participation increased as well. Social raters favorably scored the use of both technology and programs.

Conclusion: Assistive technology-based programs were effective for promoting independence of children with cerebral palsy.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• A basic form of assistive technology such as a microswitch-based program may be useful and helpful for supporting adaptive skills of children with cerebral palsy and different levels of functioning.

• The same program may improve the participants' indices of positive participation and constructive engagement with beneficial effects on their quality of life.

• The positive social rating provided by external experts sensitive to the matter may recommend a favorable acceptance and implementation of the program in daily settings.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• cerebral palsy
• choice
• locomotion
• quality of life
• social validation

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.