Relationship-focused parenting intervention to support developmental outcomes for a young child with cerebral palsy: A practice application

Abstract

Statement of context The effectiveness of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities is thought to be related to parental sensitivity and responsiveness. A brief relationship-focused occupational therapy intervention for Shelly, a young girl with cerebral palsy, and her mother, Jane, is described. Critical reflection on practice The distress of both mother and child at presentation compromised the ability of therapists to provide developmentally orientated interventions. Focusing on parent–child interactions enabled Shelly to make both emotional and physical gains, and facilitated ongoing interventions. Implications for practice Observations in this practice application demonstrate the need for further research into parenting interventions and developmental outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.