India - This site is currently under construction.
International Activities Navigation Menu
Cerebral Palsy
Legal Definition
According to the National Trust For Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act
“Cerebral Palsy means a group of non-progressive conditions of a person characterized by abnormal motor control posture resulting from brain insult or injuries occurring in the pre-natal, perinatal or infant period of development.”
“Cerebral palsy is a permanent disability caused by damage to the motor cortex of the brain. Cerebral refers to the brain and palsy refers to lack of control over the muscles. Brain injury results in cerebral palsy and occurs before, during or shortly after birth.
Cerebral palsy includes a large number of neuromuscular disorders of differing severity levels and symptoms. To be classified as cerebral palsy, the problem must not only involve muscle movement or posture but also occur early in development at the time of the brain’s most rapid growth. In some cases, cerebral palsy may be accompanied by mental or emotional impairment, convulsive seizures (epilepsy), vision,
or hearing loss. Some of these associated conditions can be treated successfully, and some kinds of cerebral palsy can improve with intervention. However, the nerve cells involved are limited in their powers of repair and regeneration.”
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
- Insufficient oxygen to the brain of a fetus or newborn child
- Premature birth
- Mother’s infection to German measles or other viral diseases early in pregnancy
- Micro-organisms that attack the newborn child’s central nervous system
- Rh incompatibility
Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, where muscles are stiff and permanently contracted thereby making movement difficult and awkward. If a child with plasticity is supported under the arms, the legs will often lay straight down, unable to flex at the knees. The lower legs turn in and cross at the ankle. The movements of the legs are stiff and resemble the cross blade of a pair of scissors, hence the term “scissors gait.” This condition can sometimes be corrected by surgery.
- Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary movements of affected parts of the body. The hands may turn in and twist and there may be facial grimaces, poor tongue control and drooling. The movements may also be characterized as jerky and quick.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy involves lack of balance and coordination. Persons with ataxia may sway when standing, have trouble maintaining balance and often walk with feet spread wide apart to avoid falling.
Adaptations and Teaching Strategies
Students with cerebral palsy can function within the regular education classroom but need support. This support may range from academic support to physical support. Strategies are:
- Have ramps instead of steps
- Use cut-out desks in classrooms or raised tables or desks if needed
- Give students with cerebral palsy the opportunity to take breaks and be repositioned to avoid physical discomfort
- Use a computer. An overlay keyboard can be plugged into a computer. Each overlay can be programmed with specific types of information, such as information on transportation, or may be programmed to produce words or phrases. This is a great tool to communicate and learn.
Source: Disability Awareness, A guidebook for families and educators, 2nd Edition, PACER CENTER.
Visit PACER's other sites: National Parent Center Network (ALLIANCE) | Kids Against Bullying | Project C3 | FAPE Project | Minnesota SEACs
Translated content: Hmoob/Hmong | Espaņol/Spanish | Soomaaliga/Somali
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require Adobe Reader to view.
|
|
©2008 PACER Center, Inc. |