Cerebral palsy (abbreviated CP) is brain damage that has occurred in the early parts of life. Some cases occur during birth. Kids with cerebral palsy have difficulty controlling their body movements. The brain is unable to send coordinated signals to different parts of the body. The part affected depends upon the parts of the brain that are damaged. CP might result in a minor disability that is barely noticeable or affect the entire body. Kids with cerebral palsy differ so much in their abilities that it makes choosing activities an individual-specific task.
Outdoor Activities
Kids with cerebral palsy who are unable to walk often crave physical activity using their large muscle groups. Swimming is one such activity. With floats and supervision, almost any child can participate. Bouncing on a trampoline is also appropriate for those who have limited mobility. Even if the child can only sit or lie on the trampoline, another child can bounce her so that she feels the sensation.
Swinging in an adapted swing is an especially good activity; sling-type swings are good for children who cannot sit. Even a child who has no mobility of her own but is small enough to lift can swing or be placed on a playground slide and assisted down to experience the motion of sliding. A mat or towel placed underneath her can make the trip more manageable.
Indoor Activities
If the child is able to bear weight on his legs, he may enjoy being supported in a standing position on a firm surface. Standers are available to facilitate this position, especially for a larger child who is harder to hold. Place a mirror in front of him to encourage him to keep his head up.
Kids with cerebral palsy often enjoy being read to. No matter the child's developmental level, there is appropriate reading material available. For kids who do not speak, reading or singing to them is an opportunity to flood them with language. Singing games like Pat-a-Cake involve the child even more. Find a song he likes and make up arm motions.
Some children can activate a switch using their heads, hands or feet. These switches may be used for several "switch adapted" activities from operating a battery powered toy to turning on a music player and also for communication using adapted computers. Switch adapted toys and switches are available from specialty catalogs and websites.
Adapting Activities
Most activities can be adapted to meet the individual needs of a child, especially if the person doing the adapting knows the child and her abilities well. For example, a child with CP who wants to color may lack the fine motor coordination to use crayons. Provide large crayons or crayons with large grips around them. If another child plays baseball with her friends, but doesn't walk or have adequate hand-eye coordination, she might be able to hit the ball off a tee from her wheelchair and have a friend push her around the bases. Almost any activity can be adapted with the right equipment and imagination.
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