Understanding the use and benefits of assistive devices among young children with cerebral palsy and their families in Norway: a cross-sectional population-based registry study.

The frequent use of a wide range of devices, and the intended and perceived benefits, demonstrates that early provision of assistive devices can be an effective function-enhancing strategy in young children with cerebral palsy. However, the findings also indicate that factors others than the child's motor abilities must be considered when integrating the use of devices into the child's daily routines and activities.Implications for RehabilitationEarly provision of assistive devices can be a powerful strategy to support everyday functioning and facilitate care in young children with cerebral palsy.Assistive devices seems to be most effective when they are well integrated into the child's daily routines and activities across environments.The clinical classifications of motor abilities (Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System) can be used to estimate the need for assistive devices, however, factors others than the child's motor function seem to be critical for optimum effectiveness, such as type of equipment, its physical and social environment and the intended benefits of use.