Cerebral palsy is a general term for a group of disorders that affect the brain. Suffers of CP may have difficulty controlling their muscles which can affect movement and speech. A child with CP may seem uncoordinated or clumsy, which can open them up to ridicule from other students at school. Teachers who have no training in dealing with children with CP may find it difficult and as a result the child may not get the education they need.
Children with CP may have difficulty hearing the teacher. They may have trouble with comprehension and communication and they may have learning disabilities that can impede their progress in the classroom. Teaching children with CP requires patience, understanding and a different educational approach. While there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, physical therapy combined with speech and language therapy can be useful tools in helping children use their bodies and speech effectively.
Teaching children with cerebral palsy presents a unique set of challenges for learning institutions. Special education and other resources can be obtained at the state and local levels to assist in teaching these students. Educators must possess a unique set of skills allowing them to deal with children suffering from CP. There are also different devices that can be used to help teach these children. Special boards using symbols and pictures to help children learn letters and words can be used. Computers are also integrated into the process where children with impaired motor functions can use special software that has been adapted according to their abilities.
