What Teachers Should Know Cerebral palsy (CP) affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). CP is usually caused by brain damage that happens before or during a child's birth, or during the first few years of life. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common congenital childhood disorders. How CP affects each person depends on which part or parts of the brain are involved. Some people have only mild impairment, while others are severely affected. For example, brain damage can be limited, affecting only the part of the brain that controls walking, or it can be more extensive, affecting muscle control of the entire body. Although CP doesn't get progressively worse, how it affects a person's body can change as children grow and develop. Because bullies often target students who seem "different," health conditions like CP can put kids and teens at higher risk for bullying. Kids and teens with CP may: have learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing problems, speech problems, drooling issues, and behavior problems need braces, crutches, or a wheelchair to get around need help moving around in class or reaching things need assistive devices for writing and speaking have difficulty sitting still and have uncontrolled movements have difficulty with bladder and bowel control and may need to use a bathroom frequently have seizures need occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy during the school day What Teachers Can Do Students with CP may need a little more time to travel between classes and complete activities and tasks. Make sure your classroom is easy to get around and free of obstacles. Students with CP may need to miss class time for doctor visits or to see the school nurse to take medication. Make sure to give special consideration regarding missed instruction, assignments, and testing. In some cases, arranging for verbal responses in assignments and testing can be a good way to measure learning. Educators, parents, doctors, therapists, and the students with CP should work together to develop and maintain the best treatment and education plans. Be prepared for possible medical emergencies by planning ahead with parents in case your students with CP need advanced assistance. Back to Articles Related Articles Cerebral Palsy (CP) Learn all about cerebral palsy (CP), one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. Help your child or teen manage the condition, and find the help and services that kids with CP are entitled to. Read More Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the United States. It affects a person's ability to move and coordinate body movements. Read More Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a child's muscle tone, movement, and more. This article explains causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping. Read More Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Babies & Preschoolers If your child has cerebral palsy, there's a lot to know. This checklist makes it easy to find out what programs and services may be available to you. Read More Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Big Kids If you have a school-age child with cerebral palsy, there's a lot to know. This checklist makes it easy to find out what programs and services may be available to you. Read More Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Teens & Young Adults If your teen has cerebral palsy, there's a lot to know. This checklist makes it easy to determine what programs and services might be needed as your teen nears adulthood. Read More Dietary Needs for Kids With Cerebral Palsy Kids with cerebral palsy often have trouble eating. But with the right diet and feeding techniques, they can get the nutrients needed to thrive. Read More Physical Therapy Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. Learn more about PT. Read More Camps for Kids With Special Needs There are many camp choices for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, options abound. Read More Financial Planning for Kids With Special Needs These 10 steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone. Read More Disciplining Your Child With Special Needs Here's how to set boundaries and communicate your expectations in a nurturing, loving way. Read More Caring for Siblings of Kids With Special Needs Kids love their siblings. Often, those who have a brother or sister with special needs want to help. Here's how to help them feel loved and secure about their place in the family. Read More Kids With Special Needs Lots of kids have special needs. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Going to an Occupational Therapist Occupational therapy helps children overcome obstacles to be as independent as possible. Learn more about OT. Read More Going to a Physical Therapist Physical therapy uses exercises and other special treatments to help people move their bodies. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. 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