Opinions on neural implants for children with cerebral palsy: A survey of the Australian cerebral palsy community

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the opinions of the Australian cerebral palsy (CP) community on neural implants for children with CP. An online survey was distributed by the CP Registers of two populous Australian states, seeking opinions on cochlear implants, spinal cord stimulators, and electrocorticography brain-computer interfaces. Participants rated how acceptable they found the use of each implant across age groups, while also detailing their concerns with each. Data were analysed using non-parametric statistics and conventional content analysis. Nine adults with CP and 43 parents/carers of people with CP completed the survey. Most participants found the use of each implant acceptable throughout childhood. However, especially for younger children, acceptability was higher for cochlear implants than for the two emerging devices. Common participant concerns were that the child may identify positively with their condition and the community, that the implant may not be effective for the various types and severities of CP, and that parents may not have enough information to decide that the benefits outweigh the risks. These findings provide initial validation to researchers that families of potential young users will consider such neural implants, while also reinforcing the need for transparent communication with the CP community.