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Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Occupational therapy, which addresses a variety of basic life skills, can play a vital role in helping a special needs child live as independently and productively as possible.  

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a specialized field that focuses on the development of physical, cognitive and motor skills. These skills relate to a child’s ability to function in all areas of life, whether it’s day-to-day self-care, play, or school.  Click here for an educational video of occupational therapy for children.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy

The goal of occupational therapy for cerebral palsy is to help a child develop abilities that foster independence. It can also help a child hone skills necessary for interacting with others and participating in school-related activities, such as playing, writing and paying attention. If a skill cannot be developed or improved in occupational therapy, compensating methods are created.  This involves adapting the task or the environment to give the child an alternative way to accomplish the desired task.

The objectives of occupational therapy include:

• Developing skills for dressing, bathing, writing, eating, and toiletry
• Increasing the ability to socialize and pay attention
• Addressing problems with swallowing
• Increased participation in school
• Fostering independence, self-esteem and well-being

Occupational therapy is performed by occupational therapists (OTs), trained professionals who are licensed by the state and certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). An OT may use a variety of tools and exercises in the course of cerebral palsy therapy.  These include:

• Special utensils, dishes and cups that facilitate eating and drinking
• Grasping and releasing specially-designed toys to develop hand and writing skills
• Hitting a target or batting a ball to improve hand-eye coordination skills

In addition, special computers may be used to help children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities perform certain tasks.  For example, there are computers that allow a person to open a door or switch on a light simply by nodding their head or blinking their eyes. 

A qualified occupational therapist will be able to evaluate your child’s unique challenges and devise a treatment program that is right for him.  The therapist can also determine if your child would benefit from specialized equipment.  In addition to computers, there are communication aids, wheelchairs and dressing devices that can facilitate your child’s ability to perform routine tasks.

Find an Occupational Therapist in Your Area

When it comes to cerebral palsy and other birth injuries, early intervention is critical. Your child's doctor or teacher may be able to refer you to a qualified occupational therapist, or you can find professionals in your local telephone directory. State associations that license or certify therapists can also be an excellent resource, as well as professional associations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).  Contact the AOTA to find an occupational therapist in your area.