Purpose: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulty participating in role-pretending activities. The concept of adaptive play makes play accessible by modifying play materials for different needs or treatment goals for children with CP. This study examines the affective expressions and imagination in children with CP as a function of…

Toys that provoke the use of both hands are required to develop a test of bimanual performance in children 8-18 months with unilateral cerebral palsy (Mini-AHA). To choose the toys, a conceptual model based on perception-action theory and object use was used to guide a literature review. Evidence was sought for three critical relationships…

Powered mobility can have an important cognitive and psychosocial impact on young children who are unable to move independently. Twenty-three children with physical disabilities between the ages of 18 months and 6 years participated in this study. Data evaluating social skills, frequency of mobility play activities, frequency of interaction with…

Background and Purpose: Evaluate self-initiated pretend play of children with cerebral palsy. Method: Twenty preschool children participated in the study. Pretend play ability was measured by using the child-initiated pretend play assessment culturally adapted to Brazil. Results: There were significant negative correlations between the children's…

This study examined the effectiveness of treatment on the development of communicative intent in four young (ages 11 to 13 months) children with cerebral palsy. Treatment sessions included structured communication opportunities and physically facilitated exploration of toys. Results indicated significantly greater use of communicative signals…

Techniques for modifying toys for children with cerebral palsy to enhance active, independent use of play materials are described. The most successful techniques include stabilization; creating boundaries; and use of grasping aids, manipulation aids, and switches. Good positioning is emphasized to maximize controlled and relaxed movement and…

Reports were elicited from 56 Bengali parents of children (ages 1-18) with cerebral palsy on activities they engaged in with their child and on the toys the child possessed. The majority reported spending time playing with their child and all respondents named at least two toys belonging to their child. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Six young children with cerebral palsy received motor skills instruction across two conditions: adaptive positioning and behavioral teaching procedures, and the same procedures plus computer assistance and response-contingent toys. The computer-mediated package increased the children's general level of engagement and motor skills and brought about…