Evaluation of Communication Functions in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, movement-limiting loss of permanent motor function, posture and movement disturbance in the developing brain due to lesion or injury that occurs during the intrauterine period or in the first months of life. Secondary medical problems such as epilepsy, mental retardation, behavior disorder, swallowing problems and musculoskeletal disorders may be seen in these patients. Neuroanatomical problems in the muscles associated with the mouth and speech, and the presence of central pathologies, are important problems in patients with cerebral palsy. Monitoring the communication level of these patients is very important for determining treatment protocols and monitoring their effectiveness. Difficulties in communication significantly affect the rate and level of recovery in patients with cerebral palsy. There are many different scales to analyze communication level and problems in children with cerebral palsy. The most commonly used ones are the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and the Functional Communication Classification System (FCCS). By examining the communication level in 5 categories in both scales, it helps to monitor the communicative development of the child and also provides a common language among clinicians. They are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and focus on the levels of activity and participation defined in the international classification of function, disability and health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the communication level in children over 2 years of age with cerebral palsy. In addition, the relationship between communication skills and general functional levels and demographic characteristics will be investigated. In this way, both the general communication level of this patient group and the possible factors affecting this skill will be analyzed. Thus, these relationships and measurements can be utilized in determining treatment and rehabilitation protocols.