Educational Programmes for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Parents’ and Teachers’ Dilemma

Abstract

This article deals with the problems of children with Cerebral Palsy, which is considered a Non-Verbal Learning Disorder. The paper is aimed to explain what Cerebral Palsy is and what the types of Cerebral Palsy are. The paper also discusses the educational possibilities of children with Cerebral Palsy and responsibilities of parents and teachers in the education of such children and their dilemma in selecting proper way of schooling and instruction to the children.

It is a fact that 4 to 8 out of every thousand birth have Cerebral Palsy, either mild or severe and numbers of children with such problems are increasing considerably. Cerebral Palsy is a static encephalopathy, is the name for a collection of movement disorders caused by brain damage that occurs before, during or shortly after birth. It is the most common neurologic disorder or common motor disability among children.

It is obviously right that majority of the children with Cerebral Palsy are intelligent and are able to be educated. They must be paced properly for education either in the mainstream (inclusion) or in the special education stream. There possibility for education must not be denied. Both mainstreaming and special education have its own advantages and disadvantages. Parents should select one of the choices according to the physical ability and communication ability their child possesses.

Teachers either in mainstream or in special education have particular duties to perform in the education process of Palsied child. Schools should have opportunities for muscular trainings, various types of therapy and special schemes to develop communication abilities.

Only with interventions of experts like neurologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, special education experts, psychologists, dedicated teachers and so on can make the education of children with Cerebral Palsy fruitful. Least Restricted Environment and Individualized Educational Plan are the best supporting for their education.

Key Words

Cerebral Palsy, Non-Verbal Learning Disorders, Static encephalopathy, Optimal care, inclusion, Special Education System, Individualized Educational Plan.