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Overview
Occupational therapy for people with cerebral palsy teaches them to function as effectively in everyday life as possible. It provides them with interesting activities designed to improve cognitive and physical skills. Psychological benefits also are gained, as mastery of these skills increases self-confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment that is motivating for the future. The goal is to help people with cerebral palsy achieve as much independence as they can.
Identification
Cerebral palsy is a term that describes a wide range of neurological disorders which cause motor dysfunction and impaired movement. It results from brain damage that occurs during the prenatal time frame, during birth or in the first few years of age. The cause is typically difficult to pinpoint and can be a lack of oxygen, a virus or some other factor.
Occupational Therapy For Children
Occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy works on fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and basic everyday projects. Children learn and practice many useful and fun activities, such as gripping and releasing toys, throwing a ball, drawing and writing. They learn how to bathe, dress themselves, brush their hair and feed themselves. Becoming more self-reliant not only readies them for an independent future, it helps reduce immediate demands on parents and caregivers.
Physical Aspects
Occupational therapists not only teach children these skills, but also work to develop upper body function, improve posture and increase mobility. They show children how to avoid positions that create uncontrolled movements or cause other physical trouble. They make sure children use their standing frames or wheelchairs optimally to move with the least difficulty. Children with severe speech impairment are taught to use computers to communicate.
Social Aspects
Children with cerebral palsy can often be frustrated, anxious, depressed or bored, and become upset easily. In occupational therapy, they learn coping skills and anger management. They learn to write out their feelings, and the benefits of engaging in some physical activity when they are upset. They also learn more social skills from being with a group of other children in an environment where everyone must treat each other with respect.
Ongoing Therapy for Adults
Although cerebral palsy is not progressive, aging affects people with this disorder just as it affects other adults. There can be joint and muscle pain and stiffness, which worsens the effects of cerebral palsy. Many adults are already busy with work and a family, and don't have much time for occupational therapy sessions. However, opportunities are becoming available for people with cerebral palsy to have occupational therapy sessions through the Internet. The University of Michigan, for instance, offers a program it has named Project ULTrA (Upper Limb Training and Assessment), which uses streaming video and works to improve strength, movement and flexibility.
