Occupational Therapy Elements in the Management of the Child with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that supports engagement in meaningful occupations, a term consistent with participation in activity in the ICF model. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have complex movement and posture disorders accompanied by both associated and secondary conditions (seizures, vision loss, intellectual disabilities, feeding problems, etc.). This intricate mix of body function and structure components affects participation in activity that is further complicated by personal factors and both social and physical environmental issues. The role of OT is to work in conjunction with the child and family to negotiate these factors in order to promote the child’s ability to care for themselves and participate in activities they choose at home and in their communities. OT strategies to achieve these goals cover a variety of approaches, including behavioral and movement interventions, problem-solving, and judicious use of assistive technologies. Environments where OTs work include hospitals, outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, and school systems, all settings that include children with CP. This chapter describes those interventions OTs use that are supported by evidence.