How to Teach a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a medical condition that affects coordination and the body's muscles. Children with cerebral palsy may have muscles that are either very rigid or very floppy. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately two to four of every 100 babies have cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is typically caused by brain injuries that occur either during prenatal development or at birth. Cerebral palsy may have no effect at all on academic achievement or it may adversely affect academic skills involving speech and written language, and sometimes mental retardation is present as well.
Instructions
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Teach goals on the child's individualized education plan (IEP). Many children with cerebral palsy will have an IEP that lists goals and accommodations for the student.
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Modify lessons to accommodate the needs and limitations of the child. Children with cerebral palsy may need to complete more of their work on a computer than on paper and they may need more time to complete assignments.
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Work collaboratively with special education teachers, other regular education teachers, therapists and caregivers to meet the needs of the child with cerebral palsy.
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Use assistive devices as needed. Children with cerebral palsy may need communication devices or may need special pencil grips or wrist stabilizers to write legibly.
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Acquire therapies needed for the child. Children with cerebral palsy may need speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. A teacher can help coordinate these services through her school district.
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Maintain high expectations. Many students will rise to a teacher's expectations, so for that reason it is very important for teachers who work with children affected by cerebral palsy to maintain high expectations for those children.
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