Significance
More people are diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the United States than with any other developmental disability. Estimates show that about 500,000 people in the U.S. have cerebral palsy, and that approximately 1 in 500 children are born with the disorder. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that usually results in significant disability, impairing all areas of life, and limiting independence. Occupational therapy for cerebral palsy increases independence, improves motor function and encourages healthy social relationships for sufferers. For some, occupational therapy may enable the sufferer to attend school, work, and/or live alone instead of remaining fully dependent on family members to survive.
Benefits
Occupational therapy helps individuals with cerebral palsy live as independently as possible, and teaches them important skills to help reduce the impact of their disability on daily tasks. Occupational therapy is also an excellent means of identifying individual strengths and weaknesses, which enables care to be individualized and focused on areas that can be improved. The increased self-esteem and social skills gained through occupational therapy can greatly enhance enjoyment in life, and the improved ability to take care of daily tasks, such as bathing, feeding, and grooming, can provide those with cerebral palsy a level of independence they may not otherwise acquire.
Time Frame
The sooner occupational therapy begins, the better the outcome and overall prognosis. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy often begin occupational therapy immediately after diagnosis to improve their chances of attending regular schools and to prevent further deterioration of their muscles. Adults with cerebral palsy typically spend considerably more time working on basic life skills, as fine motor skills and social relationships are not as easily improved upon during adulthood.
Function
Occupational therapists thoroughly evaluate children and adults with cerebral palsy to determine what areas and skills can be most improved through carefully designed activities and life training. Occupational therapy addresses all areas that directly relate to daily living, including psychological, physical, social and environmental factors.
Areas that are generally worked on include fine motor skills, such as grasping and writing, developmental and daily living skills, such as getting dressed and feeding, and anger-management. Occupational therapy can also help those with cerebral palsy develop appropriate social skills and often addresses important psychological problems, including stress management, anxiety and lack of confidence.
Considerations
Occupational therapy is not a cure for cerebral palsy, and beginning therapy with unrealistic expectations may decrease the therapeutic benefits. Therapy may need to continue for many years, or even throughout life, for those severely affected by cerebral palsy, but even limited time spent in therapy may improve life skills and increase self-confidence in those with less severe cases.
Tags: cerebral palsy, with cerebral, with cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy, occupational therapy