Cerebral Palsy in the Classroom
Ali Haffner, Greg Solko, Cassidy Murphy, and Haley Mansfield
Prevalence
- 1 in 303 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
- 764,000+ Americans have this disorder.
- Every year 10,000 infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and 1,500 preschoolers are recognized to have the disorder.
Characteristics
- This is a disorder of the brain that impairs control of movement, muscle tone, and/or posture.
- Cause: injury or abnormal development in the immature brain (commonly before birth)
- 70% of cases are present at birth, 20% are congenital
- Leads to developmental delays
- Non-progressive disease - This disease will not get better or worse over time, but the symptoms are subject to change.
- 4 TYPES: Spastic CP (most common) -- Muscles are stiff and weak; Dyskinetic CP - difficult control of voluntary muscle movement; Ataxia CP - Poor balance and/or coordination; Mixed CP - Any combination of the above types
- Typically effects arm and leg movement
Identification
Informal Identification: stiff or floppy muscles, exaggerated reflexes, involuntary movements, delayed development of motor skills, favoritism of one side of the body, trouble walking, drooling/difficulty eating, delatyed speech development.
Formal Identification: Brain Scans (MRI, Cranial Ultrasound, CT); EEG (if seizures are present); and Lab Tests (to rule out other conditions)
No DEFINITE test exits!
Impact on Cognitive Functioning
Cerebral Palsy can affect attention, learning, problem solving, decision making, and speech and language. This disorder can make it difficult to retain and learn new information as well as take longer to process new information. There are good and bad days however, so ability can vary. There are several therapies that can potentially help people with Cerebral Palsy such as hyperbaric chamber therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech/language therapy.
Impact on Social Functioning
People with Cerebral Palsy tend to be less socially active, have fewer relationships, and may be limited in activities that they are able to participate in with others. This may cause distress, frustration, and sadness. This distress can worsen, especially if they cannot find a significant other or live independently, but can improve if they feel accepted and supported by others. People with Cerebral Palsy want to form relationships with others, just like anyone else.
Impact on Day-to-Day Functioning
People with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty with communication. They also may need help to participate in physical activities since many with Cerebral Palsy have difficulty with mobility. Even mealtimes can be stressful and take more time than normal. Usually there are many therapy appointments people with Cerebral Palsy have to attend and can affect their scheduling. All of these things can also affect their family unit. Day-to-day function can be very labored as severity of Cerebral Palsy increases.
CEREBRAL PALSY IN THE CLASSROOM.
A. Speech therapists are good for the students at a young age to help them speak more clearly.
i. They also help them build stronger vocab and language skills, communicate in complete sentences, and improve their ability to listen.
ii. Students with cerebral palsy also have the ability to learn sign language to be able and communicate in the classroom.
iii. Communication aides are a great assistance to them posters, picture books, and PowerPoint’s some students even have access to computers that can talk for them.
B. An occupational therapist can also be used to help teach the student how to use their arms and legs Inc conjunction with each other.
i. They teach them easier and more efficient ways to use their arms, legs, and upper body.
ii. Teach the students how to write draw, use scissors, and brush their teeth.
Teaching those affected
B.. Allow the student to move about freely as if they are forced NOT to move their muscles will tighten and cause severe pain.
C. Inform the class of the student and their disability so they can all be more comfortable around them and work with that student.
3. When can educators do to improve learning for students with cerebral palsy?
a. Incorporate as many multi sensory projects into their day as possible.
i. Audio-visual
ill use to learn from.
IV. Assess what skills they still need to develop and focus on those.
V. Encourage active participation for the student,
VI.. Do not time tests or make sure to give them ample time to complete the activities that are being required.
The Controversy Surrounding Patients with Cerebral Palsy
Electrical Stimulation
Low levels of electrical current are used to trigger muscle contraction. This treatment is used to relieve symptoms of joint stiffness and muscle tightness. However, the effects of this therapy do not last very long. It is mainly used in conjunction with physical therapy.
Patterning Technique
This therapy aims to teach physical skills to children with C.P. Everything is taught in the same order in which children would develop normally. For instance, crawling would be taught before walking no matter what the age may be. Results have not been very effective. Stress and frustration is present for most children and parents using this therapy.
Craniosacral Therapy
This therapy involves a skull massage technique that aims to reduce some of the C.P. symptoms in infants and children. Not enough research has been conducted on this therapy to prove its effectiveness.
Oxygen Therapy
This therapy adds pure oxygen to the surroundings of patients with C.P. although it has not been proven to be effective.
Special Diets and Vitamins
Following special diets and large amounts of vitamins is used as a therapy in an attempt to increase physical strength and flexibility. It has not been proven effective either and can pose a potential poisoning risk with the high doses of certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A.
Surgery for Drooling
Surgery to redirect the flow of saliva involves incisions around the mouth and it is neither recommended by doctors nor proven effective in helping patients with C.P.
References
- "Gillette Childrens Specialty Healthcare." Gillette Childrens Specialty Healthcare. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
- "The Social, Emotional, & Psychological Effects of Adults With Cerebral Palsy." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
- "How Can Cerebral Palsy Impact on Daily Life?" The Bobath Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. "Cerebral Palsy." Mayo Clinic. N.p., 10 Nov. 2010. 07 Mar. 2013.
- "Understanding Cerebral Palsy -- the Basics." WebMD. N.p., 08 Mar. 2012. 07 Mar. 2013.
- "Cerebral Palsy: Signs and Causes." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., 21 Mar. 2011. 08 Mar. 2013.
- "Cerebral Palsy: Controversial Treatments - Topic Overview." WebMD. N.p., 09 Sept. 2010.