What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition caused by damage to the developing brain that affects movement and posture. This damage may occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Each child with Cerebral Palsy is impacted differently, and while the brain cannot repair itself, various treatments like therapy, surgery, medication, assistive technology, and adaptations to the environment can help maximize a child’s independence and quality of life.
Cerebral Palsy can also affect cognitive and learning abilities, speech and swallowing, visual perception, and the processing of sensory information. There are different classifications of Cerebral Palsy depending on how the brain damage affects muscle tone and movement:
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Characterized by muscle stiffness (high tone) that makes movement slow and difficult.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Affects balance and motor planning, impacting gross and fine motor skills.
- Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: Involves fluctuating muscle tone, making controlled movements, especially fine movements, difficult.
Cerebral Palsy is also classified based on which parts of the body are affected:
- Hemiplegia: One side of the body is affected (e.g. the right arm and leg).
- Diplegia: The lower limbs are primarily affected, but there may also be some impact on hand function.
- Quadriplegia: All four limbs and the trunk are affected.
Schedule an appointment with one of our Occupational Therapists today to discover how we can help you.
How Would I Know if My Child Has Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is typically diagnosed by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist following brain scans and assessments of movement and development. Before diagnosis, signs to look for include:
- Unusual or limited movement of certain limbs
- Delays in achieving developmental milestones, such as sitting, rolling, or holding up their head
- Difficulty feeding or controlling mouth muscles
- Stiff or rigid limbs that make dressing or diaper changes challenging
- Hands held in clenched fists
These signs may indicate Cerebral Palsy or other developmental issues, and a proper diagnosis is required.
How Can Cerebral Palsy Affect a Child?
- Muscle Tone: Children with CP may exhibit low, high, or fluctuating muscle tone, affecting movement and everyday activities.
- Mobility: Mobility can vary significantly, with some children needing wheelchairs, others using walking aids, and some managing to walk independently.
- Fine Motor Skills: Challenges with fine motor skills, such as grasping, writing, and using tools, are common. These skills require other developmental milestones like sitting upright and controlling arm and hand movements.
- Cognitive and Perceptual Skills: CP can affect memory, visual perception, and motor planning, impacting learning and daily activities.
How Can an Occupational Therapist Help with Cerebral Palsy?
Occupational therapists (OTs) are highly trained in helping children with Cerebral Palsy enhance their independence and participate fully in everyday activities. After a full assessment, an OT will develop an individualized plan to target the child’s specific needs and goals. Here’s how they can assist:
- Improving Skills and Independence: OTs may adapt tasks, teach new strategies, or recommend assistive technologies that promote independence in activities like dressing, feeding, and schoolwork.
- Creating Accessible Environments: OTs can provide recommendations for modifying the home or school environment, ensuring safe access through equipment or structural changes.
- Supporting School Participation: They can work with teachers to facilitate access to the school curriculum and support learning within the classroom.
- Preventing Postural Issues: OTs help prevent fixed postures by recommending appropriate seating, splinting, or night-time positioning systems to maintain proper alignment and prevent discomfort.
By focusing on both physical and functional abilities, occupational therapists help children with Cerebral Palsy achieve a higher quality of life and independence.
Request an appointment to
enhance functional skills and daily living abilities.
Our Occupational Therapy center can help improve motor skills, sensory processing, and
overall independence, empowering you to engage more confidently and effectively in everyday activities!
Schedule a consultation with Perfect Balance Occupational Therapy today, and
take the first step toward a more independent and fulfilling life!
- Request an Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- A joint effort to make progress
- Work towards easier communication
Unlock your child’s path to confident and independent living skills!
Request an Appointment
