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Children with cerebral palsy may received specialized therapy programs from therapists in a clinic, hospital or school. These programs help determine prognosis or need for treatment and also improve daily life function. Behavioral therapy can greatly improve numerous factors in children including developing friendships, managing emotions, reducing anxiety, treating depression and maintaining focus. The results of therapy also benefit the parents and surrounding family members. The financial cost and exhaustion that results from having a child with a disability, may cause strain on relationships and therapy can help the parents in these situations.
Emotional behaviors, social and behavioral skills are developing in a child’s early life. For someone with cerebral palsy, it is important to begin a therapy regimen as soon as possible so that these skills can be developed as the child grows. Specific therapy may differ from child to child and the main focus may range from expressing emotions to problem identification. Therapy will need to be altered to fit the different stages of the child’s life. As they grow into adulthood, the focus is no longer about socialization or emotional processes but more about independence and self-care. Behavioral therapy can help empower, focus and affect life-changing circumstances.
How do you know if your child needs behavioral therapy? Signs to look for:
- aggression
- anger
- depression
- loss of appetite
- isolation
- moodiness
- low academic performance
- anxiety
Behavioral therapy techniques may be administered by a licensed professional counselor, family therapist, pyschotherapists, and psychiatrists. It is important to feel comfortable and trust your provider. For a child with cerebral palsy, behavioral therapy can allow them to form social relationships, dream about the future, and be happy in everyday life.