• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
child writing
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Treatment > Cerebral Palsy and Occupational Therapy
Last Updated: April 28, 2022

Cerebral Palsy and Occupational Therapy

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Renee Warmbrodt, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Renee Warmbrodt, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Cerebral palsy occupational therapy provides a variety of benefits to children living with this condition. Health care providers often encourage this form of treatment along with physical therapy to help children lead easier, more independent lives. Occupational therapists work with children to accomplish daily living activities.

Occupational Therapy Defined

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy is a form of therapy that helps people of all ages to learn how to improve their abilities to do the everyday activities they want to or have to do.[1]

For children with cerebral palsy, occupational therapy can help them with everyday school tasks, eating and drinking, dressing, hygiene, and other tasks they need to learn for daily use.

Visual Impairment

Many children with cerebral palsy experience visual impairment. Some children may have severe impairment whereas others may have a mild impairment, but regardless of severity, therapy can assist in helping them with their daily tasks.

Occupational therapy, in particular, helps by carrying out sensory-perceptual-motor (SPM) training which helps stimulate the senses to perform daily tasks more easily.

In addition, an occupational therapist may use visual input tools and cues, as well as verbal directions, to assist children in carrying out necessary daily activities.

Cognitive Impairment

Occupational therapy is also beneficial to children with cerebral palsy who have cognitive impairment. Daily routines set up with reminders help cognitively impaired children with daily chores such as remembering to dress, brushing their teeth, and other tasks needed to get ready for the day.

Motor Impairment

Motor impairment affects children with cerebral palsy in numerous ways, which can make daily tasks difficult. For example, many children will have difficulties with daily hygiene, moving around, posture, and completing school tasks due to limitations in movement.

An occupational therapist assesses each child’s needs and tailors their therapy to meet personal goals. Activities and services may differ accordingly, but can consist of stretching and guide motor output techniques, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), which helps children with unilateral cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular facilitation techniques.[2]

Types of Everyday Tasks Occupational Therapy Helps With

As mentioned earlier, occupational therapy assists with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, hygiene, and helping with motor movement skills. Other tasks occupational therapy can assist with include:

  • Grasping objects
  • Using a computer and other electronics
  • Opening doors
  • Writing
  • Holding and reading books
  • Playing
  • Interacting with peers, caregivers, and parents
  • School and/or daycare activities
  • Sitting and standing up from tables and school desks

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Parents and Caregivers

Children with cerebral palsy aren’t the only ones that can benefit from occupational therapy. With successful treatment, parents and caregivers also benefit from watching their children thrive both physically and emotionally. This process helps to reduce stress and provides a sense of peace as the child becomes more independent and productive.

Occupational Therapy Settings

Occupational therapy can take place in a variety of settings. While there is a large database of occupational therapists available across the nation, some may be more specialized than others in your child’s specific needs. Common settings for occupational therapy include:

  • Outpatient offices
  • Inpatient medical centers
  • In the home with a qualified occupational therapist
  • Nursing centers
  • Occupational therapy providers

Finding and working with a trained and licensed occupational therapist is crucial to quality occupational therapy. These therapists have expertise in assessing the child and acknowledging the child’s strengths and weaknesses. They can then create an individualized plan to help achieve the child best achieve his or her goals.

Per AOTA, licensed occupational therapists are not only licensed in their state to practice occupational therapy but generally, have a degree in one of the following:

  • Social Services
  • Health
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Human Development
  • Anatomy & Physiology

Prior to anyone becoming an occupational therapist, each state in the nation requires that they first be licensed. Licensing generally requires graduation from an accredited school, fieldwork hours, and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination.

In addition to a licensed occupational therapist, many children will benefit from having additional assistants to help them succeed. Occupational therapist assistants may also need to become licensed (according to each state), and must complete related school and fieldwork.

Occupational Therapy Assessments

Prior to starting occupational therapy, children with cerebral palsy undergo a complete, comprehensive assessment to ensure they get individualized treatment. Assessments usually include an occupational therapist testing the child’s:

  • Motor skills
  • Developmental condition
  • Cognitive development and functioning
  • Psychological needs
  • Emotional needs
  • Home and school environment

How to Find a Qualified Occupational Therapist

If you need assistance in finding a licensed occupational therapist who works with children with cerebral palsy, health care providers are typically able to give you a referral.

Other options include contacting your city’s Health and Human Services department or browsing your local phone listings. Keep in mind, however, that you may need a referral from your child’s health care provider(s).

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. About Occupational Therapy. (n.d.). American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
    Retrieved from: https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy.aspx
  2. Hoare BJ , et al. (n.d.). Constraint-induced movement therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. - PubMed - NCBI. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30932166
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Renee Warmbrodt, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Renee Warmbrodt, RN, CPNP

Renee Warmbrodt, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in a range of settings and is currently practicing as an advanced practice provider.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines