This study examined characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Jordan and the services they receive based on parents’ report. Profiles of the children and services received were developed based on their functional level on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Results showed that 74.1% of the children have spasticity. Common associated impairments included speech (60.3%) and visual (40.5%) impairments. The most frequent service received was physical therapy (90.4%). Knowledge of needs of children with CP and current service utilization is helpful for future program planning. Services need to be individualized according to the child’s age and functional limitations.

[Purpose] Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses a group of disorders of movement and posture with wide ranges of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Guiding management of children with CP by the ICF model is important to deliver quality services. This study aimed to explore relationship between CP subtypes and the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E&R) and to examine differences in distribution of impairments and activity limitations across CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R levels. [Participants and Methods] 70 children with CP (mean age: 6.5 ± 2.9 years) were classified using CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R. Research assistants examined impairments including: scoliosis, scissoring, and inability to bear weight. Parents described their children’s transfers and functional mobility. [Results] CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R levels were significantly associated. Scissoring and scoliosis were predominant in children in levels IV and V of the GMFCS-E&R. Only scoliosis was predominant in children with quadriplegia. Transfer activities and functional mobility were more limited in children with quadriplegia and in level V of the GMFCS-E&R. [Conclusion] Impairments and activity limitations components of the ICF can be differentiated by CP subtypes and GMFCS-E&R. Clinicians can use the two classification in providing comprehensive and individualized services for children with CP and their families.

The recent emergence of research on cerebral palsy (CP) in developing countries aims to improve knowledge on affected children and the utilization of the available services. This study seeks to describe children with CP in Saudi Arabia and service utilization as per Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and geographic regions. A cross-sectional survey of 227 children with CP (Mean age 6.3, SD 3.9 years) was conducted. Parents reported on children’s demographics, impairments, and service utilization. Half of the children (n = 113, 49.8%) had ≥3 impairments with speech, visual and learning impairments being the most frequent. The total number of impairments differed significantly by GMFCS, F (4, 218) = 8.87, p < 0.001. Most of the children (n = 86, 83.4%) used 2–5 services. Moreover, 139 (62.3%) did not attend school, 147 (65.9%) did not receive occupational therapy, and only 32 (14.3%) received speech therapy. More children in GMFCS level I did not receive neurologist services. Profiles of children and services were described by GMFCS and by regions. This was the first study to describe children with CP and service utilization in Saudi Arabia. Although many impairments affected the children, there was low utilization of related services. Data on service utilization and on unmet needs support a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and the proper service allocation.

Background: Physical therapy is crucial in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), aiming to enhance motor function, postural control, and functional independence. Objective: The study explored the current physical therapy interventions for children with CP in Saudi Arabia, including waiting time, the most used interventions, the focus of therapy, and parents’ desired goals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 215 children with CP (aged 6 months to 18.2 years). Face-to-face surveys were conducted to collect data on CP classification (based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System), age at first referral, types of interventions used, intervention goals, and parents’ desired goals for their children. Results: Children with severe CP (non-ambulators) received physical therapy services significantly earlier than those with milder involvement (ambulators). The most commonly used interventions were therapeutic exercises and home exercises, followed by standing frames. Hydrotherapy was the least utilized intervention. The focus of therapy was mainly on joints and muscles, as well as mobility and transfers. Conclusions: The study underscores the need to identify and refer children with CP for physical therapy. The findings suggest further investigation into barriers to utilizing certain interventions like hydrotherapy and emphasize the need for more inclusive goal-setting processes in the rehabilitation of children with CP based on both physical therapy and parent perspectives.