An understanding of the needs of families of preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) is of essential importance if efficient and cost-effective services are to be provided to them. The aims of this study were to identify the most frequently expressed needs of families with preschool children with CP; differences in the amount and types of family needs based on the child's gross motor function and communication function level; and the impact of the child's gross motor function and communication function level on the type and amount of family needs.

In order to provide targeted support to families who are raising children with developmental disorders, it is important to study the family needs and to understand circumstances that may affect them. The aim of this study was to identify the needs of the families with preschool children with cerebral palsy, and study how these needs relate to factors associated with families, children and rehabilitation services. Descriptive analysis showed that families living in Latvia most often need information, social and financial support and coordination of services, and they also need financial support to cover the costs of child care and treatment. The results of the data analysis support the hypothesis that factors characterising families, children with cerebral palsy and rehabilitation services affect the needs of the families with preschool children with cerebral palsy living in Latvia, and the unique impact of these factors depends on the type of needs. Regression analysis revealed that the most important factors affecting the needs of families were related with the socio-economic situation, as well as the support of peers and professionals. The availability and regularity of rehabilitation services, limitations to the child’s functions and health impairments were factors that affected family needs to a lesser extent.