Özet:

Objective: Communication disorders are one of the most common dysfunctions observed in cerebral palsy (CP). Our aim in this study was to explore clinical factors and socio-demographic characteristics associated with communication impairments in children with CP. Material and Methods: One hundred and three CP children were evaluated with Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for communication skills. Socio-demographic characteristics of the parents and detailed clinical data were collected. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used for the analysis of motor functions. The effect of all obtained data on communication skills was examined. Results: The rates of the children with the highest and lowest level of CFCS were 21.4% and 23.3%, respectively. The presence of any comorbid disease, dyskinetic/quadriplegic CP subtype, poorer motor functional level, lower education level of the mother and lower rehabilitation intensity were found to be associated with communication impairments (p<0.05). Conclusion: Communication is very important to lead a healthy and happy life in the social environment. This situation becomes more important for individuals with CP who have difficulty in adapting to society due to physical limitations. Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly evaluate the individuals with CP in terms of communication skills, to analyze the risk factors affecting communication and to make the necessary interventions on time to develop these skills.

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