November 2007

What's New on the CanChild Website?

Enhancing Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy
This report discusses ways to enhance the adaptive motor function of children with cerebral palsy. The focus of this review is on children classified in levels IV or V on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) who need adult assistance for mobility and self-care most times throughout the day. The importance of wellness, physical fitness, and prevention of secondary complications are discussed. Click here to view this report.

Facilitating the Diagnosis of DCD - Role of the OT
The largest proportion of children seen within school-based occupational therapy are referred for handwriting difficulties. Many of these children have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a disorder that often goes undiagnosed, making if difficult for children, parents, and teachers to access resources. This article makes a case for an expansion of the role of school-based occupational therapists in facilitating the diagnosis of DCD. In addition, the authors critically reflect on issues that may make therapists reluctant to become involved in this role. Click here to access the journal article published in the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Family Resource Guidebook for Direct Funding
Individualized funding (IF) is money awarded to an individual or group of individuals who are then given control of budgets, supports and services organized to meet their individual needs. This model of funding increases choice and control for people with disabilities and their families. The purpose of this guidebook is to provide information and resources to assist individual families and family networks who are planning to apply for and manage individualized funding. Click here to view the guidebook.

GMFCS Family Report Questionnaire
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a widely used method for classifying the movement ability of children with cerebral palsy. To date, use of the GMFCS has relied upon a health professional to classify a child. The newly developed GMFCS Family Report Questionnaire presents a reliable option for parent involvement. The questionnaire is available for three age groups of children: 2 to 4 years, 4 to 6 years, and 6 to 12 years. Click here to download copies of the questionnaire.

Parent reporting of the GMFCS: How does it compare to classifications made by clinicians?
This In Brief describes two studies that examined whether the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) could be reliably reported by a child's parent or caregiver. The studies found that many parents and health professionals agreed on a child's level of ability and disagreement by more than one GMFCS level was extremely rare. To learn more about the GMFCS Family Report Questionnaire and its use in research and clinical practice, click here.

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Peter Rosenbaum was presented with the AACPDM Mentorship Award. This award was established to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership mentoring trainees and colleagues in the field of childhood-onset disabilities. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Peter will recognize how well-deserved this award is.

We are also pleased to announce that Peter Rosenbaum's Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disability has been renewed. Canada Research Chairs are awarded to outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their field. These positions are funded by the Government of Canada for a 7 year period…meaning that we will have the pleasure of Peter's wisdom, mentorship, enthusiasm and company for (at least) 7 more years!

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