Parents' perceptions of disclosure of the diagnosis of cerebral palsy

The aim of the paper is to propose guidelines for good practice in disclosi ng the diagnosis of cerebral palsy to parents. The guidelines draw on an in terview study with parents of 107 children, average age 24 months, in the S outh East Thames region. In addition case notes were examined, and mothers completed questionnaires to measure current levels of depression and coping strategies. Dissatisfaction with how the diagnosis had been disclosed was greater where children had been premature and/or low birth weight, where th ey developed more severe degrees of physical disability, and where the diag nosis had been made later. Dissatisfaction was related to greater degrees o f later self reported depression. The guidelines take account of the findin gs, in particular the need for early close liaison between neonatology and community paediatric services. Suggestions are made for how to ensure imple mentation and monitoring of good practice.