Investigation of functional independence and developmental areas in preschool children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and cortical visual impairment

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects areas of development and functional independence. Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is an important problem frequently observed in children with CP. This study was planned to compare the functional independence and developmental areas of children with Quadriplegic CP with and without CVI aged 36–60 months. In the study, 40 children with quadriplegic CP (age: 44.10 ± 5.83 months) and 40 children with quadriplegic CP and CVI (age: 45.52 ± 6.44 months) were evaluated. In addition to sociodemographic data, participants were classified according to their visual levels using the Visual Function Classification Scale. Participants’ developmental areas were evaluated using the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory, functional independence using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and gross motor skills using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88. Children with quadriplegic CP and CVI had significantly lower functional independence and developmental scores than children with quadriplegic CP without CVI (all p < 0.01). Within the CwCP-CVI group, higher VFCS levels were associated with lower functional independence and developmental scores (all p < 0.01). Children with quadriplegic CP and CVI demonstrated lower functional independence and developmental scores than those without CVI, and greater visual impairment was associated with poorer outcomes. Visual functioning should be considered in clinical assessment, intervention planning, and future research involving children with CP.