Evaluation of ludic behavior in children with cerebral palsy and of their caretakers’ perception

Abstract

For children, playing helps develop their abilities and in acquiring action and adaptation strategies. Depending on the diagnosis, on the associated or non-associated disturbances, the child with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulties in acquiring general abilities during his or her development, including playing. Objective: We sought to evaluate the ludic behavior of the child with Cerebral Palsy and to verify their caretakers’ perceptions towards the ludic action of the child, so as to offer them occupational treatment later on. Method: The research was quantitative, qualitative, and transversal. For collecting data, the authors used: Initial Interview with parents and the child’s ludic behavior Evaluation. Results: Through the interview we noticed that 90% of them became interested by the presence of other children, that the majority of the materials used by them during playing were those with audible stimuli (90%), and according to their styles of expression, the majority (31.5%) expressed themselves by gestures according to their need –25% by facial expressions. Following their interests, 42.5% of the children expressed themselves with words and 55% always showed attitudes towards playing. When evaluating the subject, we noticed that 69.1% showed an attitude in playing and only 64% presented some ability for playfulness. Conclusion: The study showed that the Initial Interview with Parents was fundamental in helping evaluate the Ludic Behavior. With this evaluation we could observe that their ludic ability is unlimited, but that it does not interfere in the interest or in the ludic attitude of the child. In that manner, playing is essential as a resource in Occupational Therapy for the rehabilitation of children with Cerebral Palsy.