What Should Teachers Know About Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that occurs as a result of brain damage sustained either before or shortly after birth. Almost all teachers are going to encounter a child with cerebral palsy at one time or another. Most children with cerebral palsy will be in a regular classroom and will attend activities such as art, music and physical education. .

Symptoms

Cerebral palsy may affect one limb, two limbs, three limbs or all four. The affected limbs may either be extremely rigid, floppy or they may be spastic. Symptoms generally do not get worse over time and may improve with physical therapy and occupational therapy. Other symptoms may be present if the child has any other conditions in addition to cerebral palsy.

Severity of Symptoms

Some children may have cerebral palsy without any noticeable outward symptoms. For some children the only physical sign of cerebral palsy is walking on their toes. Some may have moderately noticeable symptoms. Children with the most severe cases of cerebral palsy often use a wheelchair and are very physically limited.

Related Conditions

Cerebral palsy may be the only condition affecting the child or the child could have a combination of conditions relating to cerebral palsy. Some children with cerebral palsy may also have vision impairment, hearing loss, speech problems, seizure disorders, attention problems and mental retardation. About 25 percent of children with cerebral palsy have mental retardation or developmental delays. However, the other 75 percent are of normal intelligence.

Collaborative Teaching

Collaborative teaching is necessary for students with cerebral palsy. Regular education teachers should work together with parents, speech therapists and special education teachers to determine how to best meet the needs of the student. Some students may not need any special accommodations or modifications while others will need extensive accommodations and modifications. Some may also need adaptive equipment to help with communication issues.

Maintain High Expectations

Most children with cerebral palsy can achieve as well as or possibly even better than the average student. Others may struggle because of mental deficits, but they should also be encouraged to meet high expectations as well. Never assume a child cannot do something. Many times the child will surprise you with what they can indeed accomplish, despite any disabilities.

References

• Dr. Greene: Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy Source: Teaching