The objective of this qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study was to better understand family perceptions concerning the impact of a cerebral palsy diagnosis and to identify confronting strategies. Data was collected in a Clinical School of Physiotherapy in João Pessoa, Brazil from seven families with children with cerebral palsy between March and April of 2009 through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed the principles of thematic interpretation. The results showed that the impact of this diagnosis is a difficult time and generates feelings of guilt in the parents. The family experiences fear regarding the motor development of the child and changes in their day-to-day dynamic. Faith and love for the child influence the way with each they seek to adapt to these new circumstances. The family needs a support network and special attention from health care professionals that must be sensitive in order to promote attentive listening, minimizing the impact of the diagnosis and contributing to their coping.
Cerebral palsy; Family; Child care