The literal meaning of cerebral palsy is “sick brain”. This doesn't mean that a person with cerebral palsy is mentally ill or mentally retarded. It is true, though, for a person to be diagnosed as having cerebral palsy all of these must be present:

1. central nervous system involvement
2. no recognized underlying progressive pathology
3. aberrant control of movement or posture
4. early onset

Each of these four characteristics, as well as all of the topics below, will be further explained in the video shown in workshop #2.

• WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CEREBRAL PALSY?
  Cerebral Palsy is the most common disabling disorder of childhood (1.23 per 1,000 children)
• Slightly more males get cerebral palsy than females and cerebral palsy is much more common in twins than single births
• The number of children with cerebral palsy is going up because we are more able to treat and save premature babies (out of very small premature babies 1 in 10 has cerebral palsy)
  

CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

• Perinatal- brain trauma or lack of oxygen occured during the period of labor and delivery
• Postnatal- injury to the brain that occurs before three years of age
• Mixed- combined prenatal and perinatal
• Prenatal- occured in the womb, infection can be the cause but for most there is no explanation
  

COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

• Mental retardation in 2/3 of patients
• Hearing impairment occurs in 25-30%
• Difficulty communicating, ranging from mild to severe
• Decreased mobility
• Decreased self-care
• Spasticity is the most common motor abnormality associated with cerebral palsy
  
• Respiratory disorders are common, particularly in children
  

Gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy include gastrosophogael reflux and chronic constipation. These may be the result of side effects from medication, poor hydration, or a high fiber diet with little fluid intake
Nutrition in cerebral palsy is probably vastly underestimated.
Cerebral palsy is by definition a non progressive ddisease but there may be deteriation in function of the individuals with CP due to seizures, drug effects, spinal injuries, or decremental pulminary function
They may also suffer from progressive spinal deformity, pain, sperimposed illnesses, and social neglect.

EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

About 1/3 of those with CP list an occupation and about 25% are actively working.
Factors associated with employability in cerebral palsy:

• Mobility
• Intelligibility of speech
• Normal intelligence
  

People with CP are less likely to be employed if they have visual or hearing impairments, below normal intelligence, or require prolonged medical treatments. Interestingly, research has found that the single most important factor in placement of adults with CP is the attitude of the parents during developmental life. Other important factors in getting a job are years of education, and work values, such as the commitment to getting a keeping a job and initiative in making one's own plans for employment and independent living. In most respects then, the keys to success or failure on the job for people with cerebral palsy are pretty much the same as for people without CP.

Vocational plans for people with CP must take into account their motor impairment. This does not mean an individual cannot perform a job due to cerebral palsy, but any movement difficulties must be considered in finding a good job that matches the person's skills and the employee, employer and any agency staff involved should consider what support a person might need.

MORE INFORMATION

Fact Sheet on Cerebral Palsy.

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