Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder that affects motor movement due to lesions in the brain. It can affect mobility in different parts of the body. Common causes include brain injuries during fetal development, birth complications like prematurity or lack of oxygen, and certain infections or chemical exposures during pregnancy. Teachers can help students with cerebral palsy by modifying instruction, ensuring an accessible classroom environment, encouraging social engagement, and focusing on student strengths. Local organizations in Singapore provide resources and treatment for children with cerebral palsy.

1. Cerebral Palsy Presentation of Physical Disabilities Presented by: Shirlyn, Crystal, Sushi & Suhaidah

2. What are Physical Disabilities? Physical disabilities affect the function of a person’s motor mobility. Different types of PD: Cerebral Palsy Non progressive lesion to the brain that affect the motor movement Spinal Bifida Paralysis due to damage to the spinal cord Muscular Atrophies Weak muscles, delayed in motor development Spinal Muscular Mypathies Low muscle tones Osteogenesis Imperfecta Brittle bones

3. History of Cerebral Palsy Known as “Cerebral Paralysis” or “Little’s Disease” was identified by a British surgeon William Little in 1860. Definition of CP Cerebral (Brain) Palsy (Weakness in a person’s movement) A non- progressive neurological disorder Affects communication between the brain and the muscles

4. Types of Cerebral Palsy May be classified by the type of movement problem Spastic inability of a muscle to relax Athetoid inability to control the movement of a muscle Ataxic problems with balance and coordination. By the body parts involved Monoplegia – affect 1 limb Hemiplegia – affect left and right side of the body Double hemiplegia - affect both side of the body (different severity) Diplegia - effect only 2 limbs Quadriplegia – affect both side of the body (diff. severity)

5. Possible Causes of Cerebral Palsy Babies who have congenital malformations in systems such as heart, kidneys & spine can then have congenital malformations in the brain Brain injuries During fetal development At birth or shortly after birth Premature Low weight at birth Lack of oxygen to the brain Does not cry in the first five minutes after delivery

6. Possible Causes of Cerebral Palsy Seizures in a newborn Fetus during/after birth exposed to certain chemicals infections Expectant mother suffers severe physical trauma Drug/ alcohol abuse or smoking during pregnancy

7. Other Complications… Delay in milestone development fine and complex gross motor development Auditory or Visual perceptual deficit Difficulties in communication Other concerns – asthma, epilepsy, seizure and drooling

8. What Educators / Para educators can do to help in the classroom? Physical setting Students in wheelchair and with auditory or visual problem seated where there are minimal movement behind them near the teacher and blackboard Classroom should be organised promote social, cultural and emotional development & academic progress. Provide mattress to cushion the fall during seizure attack

9. What Educators / Para educators can do to help in the classroom? Instructional Cues Talking books aid in learning Give 1 direction at a time . Use short, simple, one concept phrase to give direction. Be patient and look at the student when giving instruction. repeat verbal directions slowly, firmly and clearly or use visual cues.

10. What Educators / Para educators can do to help in the classroom? Social Emotional Support Encourage sharing sessions among peers to develop friendships Include them in most class and outdoor activities (E.g. P.E lessons, excursions, field trips) Home-school partnership – Parental involvement Behavioural Aspect No special consideration and provision concerning rules and regulation, unless the need arises

11. Importance of Teacher’s Role Teachers should be ready for specialized and high-tech equipment to be part of classroom environment Teachers must be confident about specific procedures and in case of emergency (E.g. epilepsy, seizure) Modify and accommodate curriculum to support the learning give extra time to complete schoolwork or tests Provide opportunities for participation and success. Focus on student’s strengths

12. Local resources / local practices / links /article The Spastic Children's Association of Singapore (SCAS) was established in 1957 to provide medical treatment and therapy for children with cerebral palsy in Singapore http://www.spastic.org.sg/ National Neuroscience Institute: Singhealth. Describes Neurosurgical Treatment of Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy http://www.nni.com.sg/ForDoctorsandHealthcareProfessionals/ClinicalNeuroscienceUpdates/Neurosurgical+Treatment+of+Spasticity+in+Cerebral+Palsy+-+an+Update.htm Rainbow Centre runs 3 programmes, 2 of which caters to children with Physical CP: EIPIC - Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Young Children PCMH - Programme for Children with Multiple Handicaps http://www.rainbowcentre.org.sg/sped.htm

13. Conclusion “ … disorder of movement .. caused by a damage to the brain … they are not stupid” Source: (Stanton, M.1992. The Cerebral Palsy Handbook : A guide for parents and carers. London: Random House) *Handouts will be given…