Cerebral Palsy and Cognitive Impairment

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Some children experience cognitive dysfunction as an associated effect of cerebral palsy. Cognitive impairments can range from mild to severe. Regardless of the child’s level of function, medical professionals will recommend treatment options to help the child lead a more productive life.

What Are Cognitive Function and Cognitive Impairment?

Cognition is learning, reasoning, and acquiring knowledge through experiences, thoughts, and senses. Children with cerebral palsy who have cognitive impairment should be recognized early so that appropriate intervention can be implemented as early in development as possible.

If you’ve learned that your child has cognitive issues, it’s understandable to be worried. Still, several treatment and therapy options can help children with cognitive impairment lead quality lives.

If you’re unsure if your child has cognitive dysfunction, it’s important to have a professional evaluation as soon as possible. There are some signs to look out for, but keep in mind that only a medical professional can definitively diagnose cognitive impairment.

Does Everyone with Cerebral Palsy Have Cognitive Impairment?

Not all children with cerebral palsy have cognitive impairment. Because cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury or malformation, cognitive issues are always possible. A child might experience delays in cognition and catch up later or always struggle with cognitive impairment.

One study found that among children with cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment is more prevalent in those with severe physical disabilities.[1]

Signs of Cognitive Impairment

Some of the most common signs of cognitive dysfunction in children include:

• Delayed language development
• Difficulty speaking and responding to others
• Difficulty focusing on tasks; short attention span
• Difficulty learning to read and count
• Issues with sensory stimulation
• Emotional imbalances, including abnormal anger, anxiety, and depression

What Kinds of Cognitive Issues Do Kids with Cerebral Palsy Have?

Behavior Issues

Anxiety, anger, emotional outbursts, and other behavioral issues may arise due to cognitive impairment. One of the most common reasons this occurs is that children with cognitive problems have difficulties learning and get behind their peers.

They may feel uncomfortable and misunderstood, leading to bouts of anger, acting out in class and at home, and becoming anxious and depressed.

Communication

Children with cognitive issues may have trouble talking and expressing how they feel. In the classroom, a child may understand the lessons but not be able to communicate the answers correctly. At home, the child may be unable to say what’s bothering them when they are hungry or thirsty or express how they feel.

Cognitive impairment can lead to delayed language development and delayed emotional development.

Short Attention Span

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism, and other disorders may arise due to cognitive dysfunction, which results in a short attention span and difficulty staying on task. Some children will focus only on things that interest them, while others may only be able to concentrate for a few minutes before becoming bored and zoning out.

Sensory Challenges

Cognitive impairment may also lead to sensory challenges, including the inability to understand signals from the physical environment. This can make it difficult for the child to adjust to and feel comfortable in different surroundings.

Management of Cognitive Impairment

Although there is no cure for cognitive impairment, several treatment options benefit children with cerebral palsy and any child who experiences cognitive delays.

In general, and depending on how severe the cognitive issues are, the child will typically have a team of medical professionals from different specialties to optimize their abilities. This can include:

• A primary physician
• A behavioral therapist
• Special education teachers
• A physical therapist
• A psychiatrist or psychologist
• A speech therapist
• An occupational therapist
• A neurologist

Each professional devises an individualized plan for the child based on cognitive test results and evaluations. For instance, a behavior therapist works with a child whose cognitive issues are causing behavioral problems, such as angry outbursts.[2]

The therapist will guide the child into responding with more appropriate reactions and emotions. An occupational therapist can assist children in learning the most efficient way to carry out daily tasks, such as using pencils and crayons, tying shoes, brushing teeth, and more.

The speech therapist can help children with verbal or non-verbal communication, making it easier to express themselves when they need assistance with tasks or learning.

How Can Parents Support Children with Cognitive Impairment?

Keep in mind that children with cerebral palsy, as mentioned earlier, often experience frustration and anger when they are trying to express themselves or are experiencing learning difficulties. This also applies when trying to figure out what people ask of them.

It’s essential to work closely with your child’s team of professionals, but here are some tips you can follow at home that will help both you and your child:

• Always use positive reinforcement when your child learns something new or achieves something.
• Never isolate your child or scold them for not learning quickly enough, and don’t accuse them of “not trying.”
• Get to know your child’s body language and cues so that you’ll be prepared when a meltdown is oncoming.
• Seek opportunities for socialization for your child, but make sure it’s in a supportive environment.
• Be open to allowing your child to vent frustrations and anger.

Prognosis

Although there is a connection between lifespan and cognitive impairment, the reason for this is still unclear. Some scientists speculate that stress may play a role.

This is not to say that your child will have a shortened lifespan. Numerous people with cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment live fulfilling, long lives. However, since cognitive dysfunction is a risk factor for a shortened lifespan, you’ll want to keep your child’s health appointments and make sure they are getting the best medical treatment possible.