title: Parents' experiences with services and treatment for their children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
abstract: While there is a considerable body of knowledge investigating the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), there is a need for information focusing on parents' experiences when their children receive these services. This qualitative research study initially explored the experiences of four parents with children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and who participated in CIMT using a group format. Additionally, the richness of the information shared by parents provided insights on other important issues related to family supports when raising a child and the availability of resources for children diagnosed with CP. Response analysis from in-depth interviews with parents resulted in three themes: (a) Everything in my family changed when my child was diagnosed with CP and the support I feel from my family makes all the difference in how I cope. (b) It was so hard to get the information and support that I needed for my child. (c) The group format enhanced CIMT for my child and provided social benefits as well. Findings from this study suggest there are benefits of using CIMT in group formats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Kean University, Union, New Jersey 07083, USA. lknis@kean.edu
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Knis-Matthews
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falzarano
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manganiello
authors.forename: Sargam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Winters
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support