Cerebral Palsy

IDEA Definition

(8) Orthopedic impairment means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by a congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures).

Four Types of Cerebral Palsy

Spastic

Dyskinetic

Ataxic

Mixed

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION/ PHYSICAL EDUCATION CONSIDERATIONS

Characteristic

Uncontrolled movement that is rapid, jerky, and may be stiff at times causing awkward movement patterns. This may be due to a hyperactive stretch reflex or hyperreflexia.

Strategy

Use of different equipment to adhere to the students' strengths will help counter the students' uncontrolled movement. For example, the use of velcro catching gloves or boom bats can be used to aid the student in successful repetitions. (Check the APE Equipment Link Below)
Changing the boundaries of the playing fields such as smaller playing fields or minimizing the number of obstacles they have to maneuver.

Characteristic

Constant change in muscle tone and body such that students' may show increased muscle tone in some areas as well as a decrease in muscle tone in others.

Strategy

Maintaining functional movement and strength to help prevent the decline of movement as they get older. If possibly allow student to get out of there wheelchair. (Check Cerebral Palsy Exercises Link Below)

Characteristic

Struggle with speech and communication.

Strategy

Use of assistive technology such as a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or eye-tracking boards that follow the movement of the students' eyes if student has limit or weak movement in their body. (Check Assistive Devices Link Below)
Use of video modeling and visual demonstrations will also aid in providing instruction for movements/ activities. (Check Differentiated Learning Link Below)

Characteristic

Responds to the slightest stimulation.

Strategy

Consider using sensory aids such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys to help regulate sensory input and reduce stimulation when needed. (Check Sensory Supplies Link Below)
Creating routines with the students' will better prepare them for sensory dense activities and then pairing this with breaks throughout the activities may assist with this too. (Check Break Area Link Below)

Characteristic

Scissor gait which may cause impaired balance and coordination.

Strategy

Working on core strengthening exercises with the student will help provide strength for the student to better stabilize. For most of the movement hand over hand assistance may be needed, the use of bands, or even pool noodles. (Check Core Exercises Link Below)
The use of a gait trainer to allow them the student get out of their chair, but also be able to move around the space. This also benefits the student in getting movement into areas that may lack it. (Check Gait Trainer Link Below)

Links & Supports