CHCIC12CPlan inclusion of children with

additional needsTask 1

CEREBRAL PALSY

Kristina KarabeleskaSarah Clori

WHAT IS THE ADDITIONAL NEED?

The additional need we are researching is Cerebral Palsy

University of Iowa Health Care (1999) states that ‘Cerebral palsy is a term describing a group of muscle and nerve disorders that affect a child's ability to move’.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that is caused by damage to an immature brain. It can progress to different levels of severity as the child grows up.

Schleichkorn, 1983, page 12, states that cerebral palsy is classified into categories which is determined by the severity of the condition. These categories are mild, moderate and severe.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Department of human services, 2001, states that, Cerebral palsy is a condition which is caused by changes or injury in the development of the brain before or during birth.

The nature of the injury is not known, it is usually caused from reduced blood supply and a lack of oxygen to the brain, this may cause damages to the cells in the brain.

Brian damage may be caused by rubella during pregnancy, meningitis in young children, unintentional injury to the brain and extreme premature babies are also at risk along with multiple births.

SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Steigerwalt (2007) states, The condition cerebral palsy has symptoms such as irregular muscle tone, poor reflexes, poor posture, poor coordination and motor development.

Other symptoms shown in Cerebral Palsy are: Spasticity (the condition of certain muscles in the body being continuously contracted) Paralysis (a loss of muscle function) Seizures (temporary spasms) Dysarthria (speech barriers) Unsteady foot movement Stiffness of the limbs Bladder control problems Impaired tongue movement

CHARACTERISTICS OF CEREBRAL PALSY

www.cerebralpalsytreating.com, (2006) states that there are a wide range of characteristics that can be seen in people with cerebral palsy, depending on the severity of the disability and the damage on the brain.

Characteristics can be shown in movement and muscle coordination, the main characteristic is the failure of communication between the body and brain.

In mild cases of cerebral palsy there are signs of disadvantages in movement and hand control, which can be reduced by physical movement and regular exercise.

More serious cases of cerebral palsy show severe loss of complete muscle control, speaking disabilities, hearing impairments, vision problem, and difficulties in everyday routines.

MORE SIGNS OF CHARACTERISTICS SHOWN IN

CEREBRAL PALSY ARE…Tightness of muscles Spasms Posture Lose of balance Abnormal hand controls Unable to speak and understand communicationTroubles eating Poor bladder and bowel functionsBreathing problems Irregularity in blood circulations.

Although, some characteristics in cerebral palsy can be improved through practice and physical exercise, through this they are able to accomplish and do daily routines more capably.

PARTS OF THE BODY THAT ARE AFFECTED BY CEREBRAL

PALSY.

IMPLICATIONS ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Cerebral palsy Source (2005) states that implications we may see on social development, include:

Difficulty communicating, which makes it difficult for social interaction.Poor coordination of tongue and mouth muscles, which can affect speech and social interaction.Emotions, caused by cerebral Palsy can have an implication on the child’s social skillsDrooling- due to a poor oral motor control, this may cause severe social implications.

These points make it hard for the children to be understood

which may have an affect on their intellectual development.

What can be done to help social implications??

Constant communication and socialising can help and improve the child’s communication and social skills.

Continual involvement in group experiences would help children with cerebral palsy become more confident and allow them to practice their social skills.

Health-care.net (2005) states, It is important to include the child in a classroom with other children, so they can feel and accomplish everyday activities, it will benefit for children with a mild case of Cerebral Palsy.

IMPLICATIONS ON PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Department of human services, 2001 states Implication that occur on physical development caused by cerebral palsy are:

Unable to reach for and grasp objects.Difficulties in moving around and exploring activities.Difficulties in walking and runningProblems with motor skills.Poor coordination in tongue and mouthMay not be able to feed properly

What can be done to help physical implications??

With a daily range of muscle exercises, children with cerebral palsy may stop their muscles from growing weak.

Including children with cerebral palsy in daily experiences that any other child will undertake will allow them to practice their motor skills and feels included. For example guiding them and helping them through and catch a ball with other children will help them feel included and as equal.

IMPLICATION ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

University of Iowa Health care (1999) state Some implications on cognitive development caused by cerebral palsy are:

~ Cognitive delay~ Very distractible. ~ Repeating sounds and movements. ~ Severe movement disorders can mask normal intelligence.

There are specific exercises designed to help improve their ability to move and sit independently, and perform tasks on their own such as dressing, writing and using the bathroom, children with cerebral palsy are capable and could accomplish tasks on their own though specific exercises.

IMPLICATIONS ON EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Health-cares.net (2005) state that, Children with Cerebral Palsy may show signs of behavioural problems or signs of emotional issues which can have an affect on their social interactions.

Attention deficit disorder is very common in children with cerebral palsy.

Ehow, (1999) states that children with Cerebral palsy may show signs of emotional implication such as:

DepressionFear SadnessAnd Isolation

What can be done to help with emotional implications??

Steigerwalt (2007) states that, Children with Cerebral Palsy have the capacity for intellectual and emotional development, it is important to encourage and support children with Cerebral Palsy so they can grow, explore and feel as they fit in.

It is also important not to exclude children with cerebral palsy from activities due to their ability, as it will only make them feel less worthy then other children.

IMPLICATIONS ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

www.cerebralpalsytreating.com, (2006) states that language development implications involve:

Difficulties speaking and understanding communication.Communication problemsPoor coordination in tongue and mouth muscles which affects language developmentPoor tone and uncontrolled movements.

What can we do to help with language implications??

University of Iowa health care (1999) states that children with cerebral palsy can overcome communication problems, there is speech and language therapy which could improve their speech, and also help with hearing loss.

To allow children with cerebral palsy to feel included in the centre, pay attention to asking questions, talking to them and involving them in group conversations where they could practice their language skills.

MODIFICATION TO THE SERVICE

Schleichkorn, 1983 pg 74, states that children with cerebral palsy may not have the opportunity to use much of their body, they may not be able to access stairs or may be confined to a wheel chair which mean the service may need to make a modification to the centre by adding access ramps if they haven’t done so already

Work practises could be modified, they could involve and encourage children with cerebral palsy, by keeping the children involved at all times, it will help children with cerebral palsy feel more welcomed and included. Allow them to express themselves and give them time to speak.

MORE MODIFICATIONS…

Employ an aid or therapist which will help the child with day to day factors, they could help improve and work on the child development in all domains.

Exercise experiences daily which will help improve their development and have a routine to help the child.

RESOUCRCES

Cerebral Palsy Source (2005), state that children with cerebral palsy can benefit from resources such as picture boards or other communication devices, these will allow them to express themselves clearly and help them in social interactions.

Typing programs and computer assisted speech devices with help children with cerebral palsy with social interaction.

Schleichkorn, 1983, pg 66 states that body braces help with preventing body deformities, give support and control movement, this could be a resources which the centre could provide for children with cerebral palsy, or they could provide information on these braces.

MORE RESOURCES…

Brochures or pamphlets for parents and families which will provide information about cerebral palsy, what is available for them in the community and how to support them.

Intervention support program- This support program provides support for children who have disabilities in educational services, they provide funding through the department of education and training. The number is (02) 9266 8222. Guidelines and application forms can be found atwww.det.nsw.edu.au/eas/isp/

FORMING PARNERSHIPS WITH FAMILIES…

Health-cares.net, 2005, states that, by changing the families environment, adapting and providing suitable challenges for the child’s needs, the child can feel a sense of accomplishment within themselves.

The centre could provide parents and caregivers with experiences and information that they could implement at home and that could help with their child’s development.

Schleichkorn, 1983, page 89, states that a good source of support for parents and caregivers is staff and parent meetings with parents that have children that are handicapped, it allows them to talk about issues and information and express themselves.

Providing parents and caregivers with information on therapists and help that could support their child and their development.

FORMING PARNERSHIPS WITH FAMILIES CONTINUED.

Schleichkorn, 1983, page 95, states that providing information about community events in newsletter and keeping parents informed with up to date research and treatments on cerebral palsy is helpful and supportive for parents and caregivers. Form a close bond with the families, allow and encourage them to visit their children during the day, phone them up and talk to them about how their child’s day has been going, and tell them positive information about their child’s day and progression.

REFERENCE LIST:

Cerebral Palsy Source, 2005, Social Problems with Cerebral Palsy, <http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/About_CP/social_cp/index.html>, (first accessed 25th of August)

Department of Human Services, 2001, Cerebral palsy - causes and implications, <http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/pages/Cerebral_palsy_causes_and_implications?OpenDocument>, (last updated 31st of May 2005, first accessed Tuesday 18th of August)

Ehow, 1999, Emotional Effects of Cerebral Palsy, < http://www.ehow.com/facts_5106405_emotional-effects-cerebral-palsy.html>, (first accessed 25th of August 2009)

Health-cares.net, 2005, What are the education programs for children with cerebral palsy, <http://neurology.health-cares.net/cerebral-palsy-education.php>, (last updated 18th of July 2005, first accessed Tuesday 18th of August)

Health-cares.net, 2005, What's the influence of cerebral palsy on children's development?, < http://neurology.health-cares.net/cerebral-palsy-children.php>, (last updated 18th of July 2005, first accessed Tuesday 18th of August)

MORE REFERENCES

Schleichkorn, J, 1983, coping with cerebral palsy- answers to questions parents often ask, pro-ed inc, United States of America

State government of Victoria, Australia, Department of human services, 09/05/2001, Disability online- Information for people with disabilities, their families and carers, http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/pages/Cerebral_palsy_causes_and_implications?OpenDocument, first accessed Tuesday 18th of August.

steigerwalt, L. 2007. Resource 4 Cerebral Palsy, <http://www.resource4cerebralpalsy.com/topics/symptoms.html>, 1st of May 2007, (first accessed Tuesday 18th of August)

University of Iowa Health care, 1999- 2004, Children with Cerebral Palsy, <http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/cdd/patients/cerebralpalsyguide.asp>, (first accessed 25th of August)

www.cerebralpalsytreating.com, 2006, Cerebral Palsy Characteristics, <http://www.cerebralpalsytreating.com/cerebral-palsy-characteristics.html>, 2006, (first accessed Tuesday 18th of August)