Future perspectives on the social participation of adolescents with cerebral palsy and their mothers

Abstract

Aim: To understand the future aspirations regarding the social participation of adolescents with CP, from the perspective of the adolescents and their families. Method: This exploratory study used a qualitative methodology. The participants were seven adolescents with CP (aged from 11 to 17 years old) and their mothers. For collecting data, it was used two semi-structured interview script, a descriptive questionnaire and the GMFCS Gross Motor Function Classification System – Family Report Questionnaire. Data from interviews were analyzed through the methodology of the Collective Subject Discourse. Results: The main results indicated that the adolescent’s wishes and hopes about their social participation in the future are related to professional career, to future studies and to a close relationship with family and friends. Mothers evidenced concerns about issues of the adolescence, such as involvement with peers, dating, challenging parental practices and self-affirmation, and their expectations regarding to the future of their children, such as financial independence and autonomy. Conclusion: It is expected that this study provides elements for occupational therapist’s practices that aim at expanding and strengthening the social participation of adolescents with CP.