Medical advances have made a near-normal life possible for children with cerebral palsy, according to the website 4MyChild. Those advances include different types of therapy. Your child's physicians may recommend many types of therapy including, but not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy or play therapy to help your little one thrive.
Physical Therapy
The website 4MyChild reminds parents of children with C.P. that despite their children's special needs, they still need physical exercise like other children. A physical therapist can design a physical therapy program that meets a child's unique needs and abilities. Aerobic exercise or strength conditioning doesn't need to be hard. Programs that incorporate horseback riding, yoga and dancing will help children with cerebral palsy stay healthy and physically fit. The website encourages children to play with balls, too. Ball games are fun ways to workout. The child will be so focused on having fun he may not even know that he is exercising. Encourage your child to play ballgames with other children. He'll get exercise and develop social skills at the same time.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a way to help a child with cerebral palsy gain life skills that will help her thrive as she grows into adulthood. According to the Cerebral Palsy Source, occupational therapy will help a child with cerebral palsy gain independence through positive activities that enhance her physical, cognitive and fine motor skills. This type of therapy is also effective in improving the self-esteem of a child with special needs. According to the website Cerebral Palsy Source an occupational therapist can help your child master basic skills such as grasping and releasing toys or more advanced skills such as handwriting or copying a blackboard. Occupational therapy can also be beneficial to children with severe delays in learning fundamental skills such as bathing, brushing their teeth and getting dressed. A child with cerebral palsy who suffers from behavioral disorders may also benefit from occupational therapy.
Play Therapy
The website Treating Cerebral Palsy suggests play therapy as a way for friends and family to help in the development of a special needs child. Playing with toys is how all children learn. However, a child with special needs may not make an effort to play with toys, so it is imperative that playthings are available, within reach and offered to him often. Treating Cerebral Palsy recommends creating a system that helps the special needs child communicate which toy he would like. Teach him signs for the different toys in your house or have picture boards that allow him to point to pictures of toys with which he would like to play. Play therapy is helpful in developing hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and gross motor skills. It is also fun. Treating Cerebral Palsy reminds parents that laughter is the best medicine.
