According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, maternal or fetal infections, an injury to the brain, genetic abnormalities, or abnormal development during the formation of the brain, can cause cerebral palsy, or CP. The most common CP symptoms include chronic muscle coordination and posture difficulties. Since the location of the brain damage associated with CP varies, the symptoms can vary. Patient with CP can also have reduced IQ, but this is not the case with every patient.
Step 1
Discuss your child's needs with several speech therapists. Hire the one you feel is most capable of helping your child. One of the hallmarks of CP is difficulty producing speech. Some children with CP can learn to speak, but it requires intensive oral-motor therapy. If a child with CP is not able to learn to use verbal language, he can be taught to use other communication methods such as communication boards or sign language.
Step 2
Take your child to see a respiratory therapist, or hire one to come to your house to help strengthen the lungs of your child. The lungs of a child suffering from CP are often weak and require extra work. Strong lungs are needed, not only to breathe, but also to produce language.
Step 3
Hire an occupational therapist to help improve the fine-motor skills of your child. Some everyday tasks like brushing her hair or getting dressed can be turned into fine-motor skill exercises if conducted well.
Step 4
Schedule IQ testing for your child. A cerebral palsy patient may, or may not have a lower than average IQ. If the child has below average IQ, take this into account by finding the level at which she should be taught regardless of her chronological age.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure your child's school is easy to access with a wheelchair. Children with CP typically have walking difficulties and may need canes or a wheelchair. If a child with CP is going to attend a regular school, make sure that the other children are educated about this condition. Problems in vision and hearing are common among CP patients. Make sure that the vision and hearing of each child has been tested and that they are given eye glasses or hearing aids if they need them.
- CP can be accompanied by other condition such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. If the child also suffers from other conditions, make sure that you take this into account when planning for her education.
Things You'll Need
- Communication board
- Hearing aid
- Eye glasses
- School that is wheelchair accessible
