Assistive devices for children with functional impairments: impact on child and caregiver function.

Functional impairments can limit a child's ability to participate in the experiences of childhood. This'deprivation'can, in turn, have a negative effect on such children's development, academic performance, and quality of life, as well as on the lives of their caregivers and families. Many adults use assistive devices to overcome functional impairments and enable them to participate in daily activities; however, such devices may be underutilized by children.