The social interaction process of children with cerebral palsy poses as a true challenge, especially during hospitalization, when motor, cognitive, affective and emotional abilities are even more debilitated. From this point of view, the present study investigated the role of playing, as childhood's language, in hospitalization of children with CP. The research adopted a qualitative methodology using participant observation during free playing of nine hospitalized children with CP, and interviews with the supporting companions. Based on the content analysis, it was concluded that playing in hospitalization has a fundamental role in the recognition of autonomy, the ressignification of the CP concept, the increase of visibility, and the inclusion of those children.
child, cerebral palsy; child development; play; hospitalization