Social functioning and communication in children with cerebral palsy: association with disease characteristics and personal and environmental factors

Aim The objective of this longitudinal study was to describe the course of social functioning and communication in children with cerebral palsy (CP) over a 3‐year period, its difference with the normative course, and its relationship with disease characteristics and personal and environmental factors. Method Participants in this study were 110 children with CP (70 males, 40 females) with a mean age of 11 years and 3 months (SD 1y 8mo). Social functioning and communication were measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Comparisons were made with normative data; data were analysed with generalized estimating equations. According to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 50 of the 110 children were categorized as GMFCS level I, 16 as level II, 13 as level III, 13 as level IV, and 18 as level V. Results The course of social functioning over a 3‐year period showed an increase in restrictions in children with CP (p