Our previous research study titled “Predictors of community participation from preschool to school-age in children with cerebral palsy.” (Testani et al., manuscript under review) looked at how young children with cerebral palsy (CP) take part in their communities as they grow from pre-school to school age. The research used data from CP-NET, including their social experiences and participation in activities.
What Did We Learn?
- Young children with CP participate less in community activities compared to other children their age.
- This low level of participation continues as they get older, from pre-school to school age.
- Children who have strengths in prosocial behavior (such as helping others or cooperating) when they are younger are more likely to be involved in their community as they grow up.
Why Does This Matter?
These findings highlight the need for early support programs, like solution-focused coaching, to help young children with CP take part in community activities.