Approximately 500,000 children and adults in the United States have cerebral palsy, according to Kids Health. The impact of the disorder is different for every child, so treatment is tailored to the individual. Because the condition always involves some form of muscle movement dysfunction, therapeutic exercise will likely be a part of your child's treatment plan.
Definition
Cerebral palsy is a disorder usually caused by brain damage during pregnancy, the birth process or during the early years of a child's life. Infections, maternal health issues during pregnancy, lead poisoning, malnutrition and physical trauma may play a role in the development of this condition. It may affect motor skills, movement, vision, hearing and/or speech. A child with cerebral palsy also may experience learning disabilities and social issues. Although symptoms may change over time, the condition is not progressive. There is no cure, but treatment---including occupational and physical therapy, special equipment and/or surgery---can help a child with cerebral palsy overcome some of his disabilities and experience a better quality of life, according to Kids Health.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on the small muscles of the body, such as the face, hands and feet. Your therapist will help your child master daily living skills that involve these muscle groups---for example, eating, brushing teeth and dressing. She also will help your child learn to position herself correctly in her wheelchair, if she uses one. In preparation for school, your therapist will help your child learn to write, draw and cut with scissors.
Time Frame
The time frame for starting occupational therapy will depend on when your child is diagnosed. The condition can be difficult to detect in very young infants because the first indication often is a delay in developmental milestones, such as rolling over or sitting up. Some children are not diagnosed until they reach the toddler stage. The earlier you begin treatment, the better chance your child will have in overcoming his disabilities or in learning alternate ways to carry out tasks, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Frequency
In the early stages of treatment, your child probably will have frequent occupational therapy, sometimes more than once a week. As she progresses, she may need fewer therapy sessions. Parents usually are involved in working on the child's motor skills at home in between visits to the therapist. Your therapist will teach you how to do the exercises with your child. The time commitment is extensive, so About Cerebral Palsy recommends that both parents--and possibly other caregivers, like grandparents-- participate.
Impact
Occupational therapy cannot cure your child's cerebral palsy, but it may improve his capabilities and, by extension, his quality of life. Many cerebral palsy patients lead near-normal lives in adulthood, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A child who receives good treatment generally will have better muscle development and a higher skill level in daily activities, such as eating, dressing and toileting. Moreover, a strong therapy program will allow your child to explore and engage in activities he otherwise would not experience.
