Comprehension of spoken language in non-speaking children with severe cerebral palsy: an explorative study on associations with motor type and disabilities.

摘要: Aim To assess spoken language comprehension in non-speaking children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) and to explore possible associations motor type disability. Method Eighty-seven (44 males, 43 females, mean age 6y 8mo, SD 2y 1mo) spastic (54%) or dyskinetic (46%) CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels IV [39%] V [61%]) underwent assessment the computer-based instrument for low testing (C-BiLLT), a new validated diagnostic instrument. A multiple linear regression model was used investigate which variables explained variation C-BiLLT scores. Associations between abilities (expressed z-score age-equivalent score) of CP, GMFCS Manual Ability (MACS) levels, gestational age, epilepsy were analysed Fisher's exact test. p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Chronological type, classification 33% (R=0.577, R2=0.33) variance comprehension. Of aged younger than 6 years 6 months, 52.4% attained scores within average range (z-score ≥−1.6) as opposed none CP. older 32% reached highest achievable score compared 4% No significant difference disability found CP-related (MACS epilepsy), exception showed 6 months (p=0.043). Interpretation Despite communication disabilities particularly may show no only moderate delay. These findings emphasize importance introducing alternative and/or augmentative devices from early childhood.