The aim of management is to help the child to change his abnormal postures and movements so that he or she is able to comfortably adapt to the environment and develop a better quality of functional skills. It is essential for parents and carers to learn how to handle their child in the most helpful way for everyday activities when at home or school. Such co-operation is vital to enable the child to reach their potential. Therapists work closely with parents and carers showing them how best to help their child with activities of daily living and play. Features of Cerebral Palsy Most children with cerebral palsy have either spasticity or athetosis or a combination of the two.
Some movement is possible but the variety is limited.
This limitation prevents the child from participating in many activities. It is often difficult or impossible for children to stop themselves from falling if they lose balance. Children with athetosis move too much. They may have difficulty controlling their movements or maintaining their posture. The first stage towards achieving functional activity is to enable the child with spasticity to be less stiff and the child with athetosis to gain some control over their posture and movement.