July 21, 2014

In this issue of CanChild Today, we have highlighted new resources on the CanChild website, as well as recent publications by CanChild scientists, research associates, international collaborators, and post doctoral fellows. Please feel free to share CanChild resources and this newsletter with family, friends and colleagues. They can subscribe to the CanChild Today e-Newsletter for free by registering here. Our past issues are archived on the CanChild website, and can be accessed here! Check our What's New page for new postings on our website.

CanChild's 25th Anniversary!

June 23rd marked the launch of CanChild's 25th Anniversary Celebration! McMaster leaders, CanChild friends, families and supporters gathered to congratulate the team! As part of the event, CanChild unveiled the redesign of the CanChild homepage, the new communications room, and the winners of the Art Contest. Over the next year, we have many more exciting initiatives planned... so don't forget to 'like' us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or check back on the CanChild website to keep updated on these initiatives! Click here to view a video celebrating 25 years of success at CanChild.

Resources on the CanChild website (www.canchild.ca)!

New Brain Injury/Concussion Section on Website!
Brain injury/concussion is a serious and common condition in children and youth. We are excited to announce that we have developed a section on our website specifically dedicated to this topic! Here you will find helpful resources including the signs and symptoms of concussion and important child specific return to activity and return to school concussion guidelines. Click here to check out the newest addition to our website and to learn more about brain injury research at CanChild!

New F-Words in Childhood Disability Section!
Resources related to Drs. Rosenbaum and Gorter's 2012 paper titled: "The 'F-words' in Childhood Disability: I swear this is how we should think!" are now available in a new section of the CanChild website. Inspired by over two decades of CanChild research and discussion, the section features six 'F-words' in childhood disability based on the World Health Organizations (WHO's) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework - Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future. Explore the new resources and view a short video about the 'F words' in childhood disability!

Recent Publications by CanChild Members

Promoting leisure participation as part of health and well-being in children and youth with cerebral palsy
This article published in Journal of Child Neurology special issue on advances in cerebral palsy (CP) summarizes recent findings and suggests important topics to consider in exploring leisure pursuits with children and youth with CP and their families. Participation in leisure is important for children's development and health. Several factors influence children's participation in leisure. Strategies to promote leisure participation include child-focused strategies, physical-environmental strategies, and social environment strategies. Multidisciplinary efforts should address this issue with families and to advocate for participation. Authors: K Shikako-Thomas, N Kolehmainen, M Ketelaar, M Bult, M Law. Abstract.

Family-centered care for children with cerebral palsy: Conceptual and practical considerations to advance care and practice
Recent research on family-centered care has examined aspects of the family-provider partnership, family-centered organizational cultures, how family-centered care leads to client change, and new practice models that embrace family-centered principles. This article published in Journal of Child Neurology focuses on conceptual and practical considerations in family-centered care for children with cerebral palsy and their families. Implications for pediatric neurologists include the importance of collaborative goal setting, effective communication with families, and interprofessional teamwork with other members of the health care team. Strategies to minimize stress and anxiety during the diagnostic process are suggested. Authors: G King, L Chiarello. Abstract.

Psychosocial functioning in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and externalizing behavior problems
Published in Disability Rehabilitation, this study examined psychosocial functioning in children ages 6 to 9 years old with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or externalizing behavior problems as compared to children who have neither condition. The sample was drawn from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. The investigators examined associations such as child and family socio-demographic characteristics, parenting behaviors, and child psychosocial functioning. Conclusions: Children with both neurodevelopmental disorders and externalizing behaviour problems appear to report lower self-esteem, peer relationships and prosocial behavior, and higher anxiety-emotional behaviors. Socio-demographic characteristics, parenting behaviors and their interactions should be considered. Authors: RG Arim, DE Kohen, RE Garner, LM Lach, JC Brehaut, MJ MacKenzie, PL Rosenbaum. Abstract.

The 'placement' of people with profound impairments across the lifespan: Re-thinking age criteria
In this paper, the authors debate the use of age as a criterion for discharging and transferring profoundly impaired individuals from pediatric to adult institutional long-term care settings. They argue that these transfers are driven primarily by funding arrangements and supported by stage-based theories of human development. The accommodation needs of individuals with profound impairments might more closely align with palliative care principles. Innovative models of 'vertical care' and 'lifetime homes', which enable continuous flexible services across the lifespan, are discussed as examples of alternative approaches requiring further debate and research. Published in BMC Medicine. Authors: BE Gibson, G King, S Kingsnorth, P McKeever. Full access!

The impact of chronic physical illness, maternal depressive symptoms, family functioning, and self-esteem on symptoms of anxiety and depression in children
A stress-generation model linking chronic physical illness to symptoms of anxiety and depression in children aged 10 to 15 years was tested in this study published in Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. Children with chronic physical illness are at-risk for elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. The effects of childhood chronic physical illness on symptoms of anxiety and depression are influenced by maternal depression, family dysfunction, and child self-esteem. This study supports the use of family-centered care approaches for children with chronic physical illness with an emphasis on self-esteem. Authors: MA Ferro, MH Boyle. Abstract.

The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) created at CanChild in 1997, describes levels of self-initiated gross motor function of children and youth with cerebral palsy. 'Development and reliability of a system to classify gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy' has been cited 2600 times, and is #12 in the top 100 cited pediatric papers between 1945-2010. The GMFCS has been updated (2007), translated into 27 languages, and is the internationally accepted gold standard. iTunes U refers to the GMFCS as the most important clinical classification tool of cerebral palsy.

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