Direct parenting methods to facilitate the social functioning of children with cerebral palsy

Studies with typically developing children have supported the efficacy of parents' direct efforts to facilitate social development. In this study, it was hypothesized that use of direct parenting methods would be associated with aspects of social functioning of children with cerebral palsy. Study participants were 60 children with cerebral palsy, ages 5-12 (M=8.75; SD=Ce1.82), 62.3% male and their parents or guardians. Direct parenting methods were assessed with a modified empirically validated survey strategy. In contrast with findings from the typically developing population, there were no significant associations between direct parenting methods and children's social functioning. Findings suggest the need to develop alternative models of multidimensional influences on social development of children with cerebral palsy.