The family needs of parents of preschool children with cerebral palsy: the impact of child's gross motor and communications functions.

Objective: An understanding of the needs of families of preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) is of essential importance if efficient and cost-effective services are to be provided to them. The aims of this study were to identify the most frequently expressed needs of families with preschool children with CP; differences in the amount and types of family needs based on the child's gross motor function and communication function level; and the impact of the child's gross motor function and communication function level on the type and amount of family needs.

Methods: A total of 227 parents of preschool children with CP completed a modified version of the Family Needs Survey and a demographic questionnaire. Children's gross motor function level and communication function level was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), respectively.

Results: The total number of family needs differed based on GMFCS and CFCS levels. Children's GMFCS and CFCS level were not significant predictors of overall family needs (adjusted R(2)=0.163). In this model the GMFCS level of children did not account for the total number of family needs, while the CFCS level did.

Conclusions: Child's limitations in terms of communication and gross motor functions must be taken into consideration when planning services for families with preschool children with CP.