Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral
Palsy (cp) is caused by
damage, either, before, during or after birth, to the part of the brain
controlling movement.
There are three main types which
correspond to injuries to different parts of the brain:
1)
Spastic
cp: muscles become stiff and weak under effort which can affect control of
movement.
2)
Athetoid
cp: there is some loss of control of posture resulting in making unwanted
movements.
3)
Ataxic
cp: problems with balance. There may
also be shaky hand movements and irregular speech.
4)
Pupils
with cerebral palsy are found within the full ability range. There is no cure
but with the help of therapy most pupils remain stable.
Difficulties
• speech, language and communication
• poor balance
• fine and gross motor skills affecting presentation
• limited concentration
• distractibility
• limited sensory and tactile experience
• spatial and perceptual weaknesses
• copying from blackboard
• periods of tiredness
Support Strategies
Ensure that
• pupil has correct height of desk and chair
• when seated, pupil is able to rest feet on the floor
• pupil is near to and facing blackboard
• tasks are well structured, well ordered, clearly explained and varied
• pages are not too busy/sections not required are covered
• additional time is allowed for verbal responses
• volume of written work is limited - ICT can be used to support written work and maximise opportunities for self-expression
Additional information
• a sloping bookstand may be useful when copying from book or workcard
• switch interface may be required for ICT work
• if a marker is required, a black marker has been found to be more effective
• seek advice from speech and language therapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist as appropriate
•good home-school liaison is required re inter-agency involvement
Recommended
Kenward, H
(1996) Spotlight on Special Educational Needs: Physical Disabilities, NASEN,
Web Sites
Scope www.scope.org.uk