Cerebral palsy can be defined as a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development (Sanger). Cerebral palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination. Though cerebral palsy can be defined, having cerebral palsy does not define the person that has the condition (Hallahan). However, there is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment will often improve a child’s capabilities. This paper is going to explore the disability cerebral palsy and how it can be accommodated in the classroom. I want to begin by giving a brief history of cerebral palsy. The first documented history of cerebral palsy dates back to the 1860’s. It was when an English surgeon named William Little came across a puzzling condition that
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There are three main types of cerebral palsy that all have signs. The first I want to address is spastic cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is where there is too much muscle tone or tightness. A teacher can watch to see if their student(s) movements are stiff, especially in the legs, arms, and/or back. Essentially, children with this form of cerebral palsy move their legs awkwardly, turning in or scissoring their legs as they try to walk (NICHCY). The second type is known as athetoid cerebral palsy that affects movements of the entire body. Typically, this form of cerebral palsy involves slow, uncontrolled body movements and low muscle tone that makes it hard for the person to sit straight and walk (NICHCY). Teachers can watch for these signs and they are usually pretty easy to spot. On the other hand, ataxic cerebral palsy, the third type I would like to address, is usually identified by physical education teachers because it involves poor coordination, balance, and depth perception (NICHCY). PE (physical education) classes generally involve all these
There are three main types of cerebral palsy that all have signs. The first I want to address is spastic cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is where there is too much muscle tone or tightness. A teacher can watch to see if their student(s) movements are stiff, especially in the legs, arms, and/or back. Essentially, children with this form of cerebral palsy move their legs awkwardly, turning in or scissoring their legs as they try to walk (NICHCY). The second type is known as athetoid cerebral palsy that affects movements of the entire body. Typically, this form of cerebral palsy involves slow, uncontrolled body movements and low muscle tone that makes it hard for the person to sit straight and walk (NICHCY). Teachers can watch for these signs and they are usually pretty easy to spot. On the other hand, ataxic cerebral palsy, the third type I would like to address, is usually identified by physical education teachers because it involves poor coordination, balance, and depth perception (NICHCY). PE (physical education) classes generally involve all these