Systematic review of the efficacy of parenting interventions for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of parenting interventions (i.e. behavioural family intervention and parent training) with parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) on child behavioural outcomes and parenting style/skill outcomes. The following databases were searched: Medline (1950-April 2010), PubMed (1951-April 2010), PsycINFO (1840-April 2010), CINAHL (1982-April 2010) and Web of Science (1900-April 2010). No randomized clinical trials of parenting interventions with parents of children with CP were identified. Three studies were identified that involved the examination of a targeted parenting intervention via a pre-post design. Interventions utilized included the implementation of parenting interventions in conjunction with behavioural intervention and oral motor exercises for children with CP and feeding difficulties, the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk programme and a Functional Communication Training programme for parents. All studies found changes in relevant child behavioural outcomes. The studies reviewed suggest that parenting interventions may be an effective intervention for parents of children with CP. However, the current research is limited to pre-post designs of targeted parenting interventions (e.g. parenting interventions focused upon communication). A randomized controlled trial of parenting interventions for families of children with CP is urgently needed to address this paucity in the literature and provide families of children with CP with an evidence-based intervention to address child behavioural and emotional problems as well as parenting challenges.

Experiences from families of children with cerebral paralysis in context of social vulnerability

“…Thus, the cost of the treatment is a significant concern and for a long term, increasing the stress levels of the parents (9,(18)(19) .…”

“…Thus, we consider that the relation with the professionals, however, may diminish the impact of the social vulnerability, since the quality of the care and the support network can help to reduce the interference that the financial problems cause regarding the assistance. Studies point out that providing care coordinated with the services and considering the family as partner allow to increase the care offered to the child (9,19,23) . Thus, the care must be provided by means of strategies that are directed to the real necessities of the family (21,24) .…”

Interventions to Reduce Behavioral Problems in Children With Cerebral Palsy: An RCT

“…18 Although parenting interventions, such as SSTP, are an evidence-based approach for targeting behavioral and emotional problems in childhood and are readily accessible by parents, there are no published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of a parenting intervention for families of children with CP. 19 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new cognitive behavioral therapy that emphasizes nonjudgmental psychological contact with present moment experience and engagement in meaningful, values-driven activities. 20 The goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility, the ability to persist or change one's behavior, with full awareness of the situational context and one's own present-moment experience, in the service of chosen values.…”

Cortical somatosensory processing measured by magnetoencephalography predicts neurodevelopment in extremely low-gestational-age infants

“…B ecause of the increasing number of extremely low-gestational-age (ELGA) survivors, more attention is being paid to early detection of brain injury and abnormal brain development to enable early interventions for the prevention of longterm morbidity (1). At present, however, ELGA infants often develop with motor, sensory, cognitive, and behavioral impairments (2)(3)(4).…”