CEREBRAL PALSY

 

Daniel's mother was told that it was unlikely that her son would ever be able to walk. There are no miracles at the Buddy Bear School but hard work, dedication and experience of educating children with cerebral palsy using conductive education. Daniel is now in job release and thankfully is able to walk, talk and use a computer. Early intervention is essential.

While cerebral palsy is not curable in the accepted sense, education, therapy and applied technology can and does help persons with cerebral palsy lead productive lives. Cerebral palsy is not a disease or illness. Conductive education developed in the Peto Andras Institute in Budapest is a method of teaching used to educate children with cerebral palsy, The Buddy Bear Trust School uses conductive education

MOTOR FUNCTIONS

Cerebral palsy is characterised by an inability to fully control motor functions of the body , particularly muscle control and co-ordination. Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or more of the following may occur:

It should be noted that these are general comments for information. The Doctor and or Medical Consultant will be able to provide specific information and advice.

BROAD TERMS

Cerebral palsy is a broad term which covers many different disorders of movement and posture. Pediatricians, neurologists, and therapists use several classification systems and many labels to describe cerebral palsy.

MUSCLE TONE

All children with cerebral palsy have damage to the area of the brain that controls muscle tone. As a result, a child may have increased muscle tone, reduced muscle tone, or a combination of the two (fluctuating tone). Which parts of their bodies are affected by the abnormal muscle tone depends upon where the brain damage occurs.

There are three main types of cerebral palsy:

SUPPORT - HELP - THERAPY - CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION

After an interdisciplinary assessment, the professionals providing care/education for a child will develop recommendations for his or her treatment. Thankfully many treatments including conductive education are available to help a child function at the highest level possible.

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

All children are uniquely affected by cerebral palsy and individual education and therapy programmes have to be designed to meet a child's individual needs. An important part of a child's education treatment will be a therapeutic exercise programme. Depending on the child's needs, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and /or a speech-language therapist will work with the child to help him or her improve posture and movement. Conductive education can play a significant part in meeting a child's needs.

At first, the child will likely see his or her therapist quite often, sometimes at least twice a week. As the child grows and develops, he or she may need a less intensive programme.

The therapists and/or Conductor will expect the parent/guardian to work on the child's movement skills at home, and should provide training in special exercises and handling techniques. Ask for training if it is not offered,

The time commitment to a therapy programme is tremendous and it is prudent for both parents/guardians to be involved.

CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION: BABY AND PARENT GROUP

In general, it is considered beneficial to the baby if very early intervention before six months of age.

Unfortunately most infants are not referred until later in the first year or sometime in the second year of life.

EARLY INTERVENTION

The age at which a child is referred will depend to some extent on how quickly the physicians diagnose cerebral palsy, or other problems requiring therapy. It is generally agreed that children who receive early intervention and good treatment not only have fewer movement limitations,but have better postures, better muscle development, and better abilities in toileting, feeding, and dressing themselves.

Furthermore, education and therapy programmes enrich children's lives by enabling them to explore and experience activities that they might not otherwise be able to do independently.

EDUCATION THERAPY AND TREATMENT WILL VARY

• Conductive Education
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Medical Treatment: Surgery
• Medical Treatment: Drug Therapy
• Sensory Integration Therapy
• Adaptive Equipment

BUDDY BEAR TRUST: CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION - SUPPORT

Consult the Principal of the Buddy Bear Trust Conductive Education School about an assessment and advice about conductive education

 

HOPE - CARE - SHARE
The Buddy Bear Trust is committed to working in partnership with all involved in the education and care of children with cerebral palsy.