Activities and Participation of
Children with Cerebral Palsy

Investigators: Lawrence C. Vogel, MD; Caroline J. Anderson, PhD; Leah Bent, OTR

Although children and adolescents with cerebral palsy may have physical and cognitive impairments, there is little research evidence available to show how these restrictions affect the child’s ability to develop mobility and self-care skills (activities) and participate in the community (participation). In addition, little is known about the services, interventions, and supports that optimize activity and participation outcomes. This multi-centered, grant-funded research project has the following aims:

(1) Identify family priorities and needs for activity and participation of children with cerebral palsy,
(2) Identify differences in the amount and types of participation among children with cerebral palsy, and
(3) Identify child characteristics, family characteristics, and services that are determinants of activity and participation in children with cerebral palsy.