Communication Functions and Communicative Behaviours in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Communication Sciences
• Developmental Disabilities

Background:

• Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face communication challenges impacting social participation.
• Previous research on CP communication is limited, especially in Türkiye, with scarce systematic use of the Communication Matrix and underutilization of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze communication functions and behaviors in Turkish children with CP using the Communication Matrix.
• To investigate the relationship between gross motor function levels and communication outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 children (aged 4-18) with CP in Türkiye.
• Data collected via the Communication Matrix, GMFCS, MACS, VSS, and CFCS.
• Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis) used to compare communication outcomes across GMFCS levels.

Main Results:

• Obtaining and social interaction were the most frequent communication functions; refusal and providing information were less common.
• Visual behaviors and conventional gestures were prevalent, while abstract symbols and spoken language were limited.
• Children with severe motor impairments (GMFCS Level V) exhibited significantly lower symbolic communication and overall communicative competence compared to less impaired groups.

Conclusions:

• Children with CP rely heavily on nonverbal communication, with symbolic communication severely restricted in those with significant motor deficits.
• Communication functions and complexity decline with increasing motor impairment severity.
• Early intervention and AAC integration are crucial, with the Communication Matrix serving as a valuable tool for assessment and intervention planning.