Development of sitting ability, assessment of children with a motor handicap and prescription of appropriate seating systems.

The prescription of appropriate seating for children and young adults with a motor handicap is a complex issue requiring a clear identification of the child's physical ability in all postures. Recent work by Pountney et al. (1990) has shown how the development of lying ability is linked to sitting ability. This emphasises the importance of the total approach to assessment and prescription of seating systems and of not isolating seating needs from other postural considerations. This article summarises the work undertaken in recent years at Chailey Heritage to improve knowledge about prescriptive, adaptive seating for children with a motor handicap. The results are being increasingly applied throughout the United Kingdom.