Parental Reactions Following the Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy in Their Young Child

Objective To investigate parental reactions following the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) in their young children. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 51 parents of children with CP (mean age 18.5 months, SD 1.5) completed the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview, assessing their personal reactions to their childrens diagnosis. Relationships between these reactions and the severity of CP in terms of motor abilities and the childs cognitive functioning, as well as coping of parents and perceived social support, were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Thirty-nine parents (77) were classified as resolved. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that severity of CP was associated with an unresolved status. Conclusion The majority of parents of children with CP have come to terms with this diagnosis by the time their children is 18 months old. The childs gross motor limitations seem to represent an important factor explaining negative parental reactions at this time.