Product Description

Written by an experienced physical therapist, this practical guide gives parents the keys they need to help their child with cerebral palsy or another developmental delay master gross motor skills beginning in infancy. Organised in the sequence children acquire gross motor skills, this guide explains how motor development unfolds, and how cerebral palsy can affect this development. There are dozens of illustrated exercises that can help children gradually strengthen back, neck and tummy muscles and then master motor skills, such as head control, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. While parents can and should practice these exercises at home, the author stresses how success is dependent on parents and therapist working together. Real-life vignettes provide examples of how parents, children, and physical therapists interact, what difficulties can arise and how to try and work through them. The author guides parents step-by-step through techniques and practical exercises that address such issues as: head control; muscle tone; proper positioning; involuntary movements; stretching and flexibility; balance and coordination; strength training. Each chapter includes a section of frequently asked questions by parents, and the final chapter covers important topics such as the medical management of spasticity, serial casting, bracing, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and surface electromyography. Consistent and regular practice of motor exercises is crucial for a child with CP to reach their motor potential; this practical guide makes it easy for parents and other caregivers to reinforce at home the exercises introduced by a child's physical therapist. The target audience are parents of children with cerebral palsy, physical therapists (PTs), - especially pediatric PTs - Occupational Therapists (OTs), early intervention professionals and teachers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16121 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .36 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 237 pages

Customer Reviews

Teaching motor skills to children with cerebral palsy
An excellent book which I can't recommend highly enough. Its been my bible over the past 3 years, very comprehensive, good to dip in and out of, gives a progressive view of development and the activities to more skills forward for all types of CP. Sympathetic to the philosophy and movements taught at Conductive Education, there are lots of pictures, examples of activities and clear descriptions of why movements are encouraged / discouraged. I've found it encouraging to be able to tick of skills when achieved and see the progress my daughter is making. Objective, clearly written and used by our portage team.

teaching motor skills to children with cerebral palsy and similar movement disorders
I cant rate this book highly enough for parents who have received a diagnosis of movement disorder in their baby. At a time when you are frightened of the future for your child and bewildered by the condition of cerebral palsy and its implications, this book sets out clearly and reassuringly what may be happening with your child. Some books on the subject are so technical they are terrifying, and looking on the internet will leave you rocking in a corner! Most usuful of all are the step by step instructions on positioning and encouraging your child to work towards the best possible outcome for them with your help. With cerebral palsy early intervention is essential and the younger they are started on a physio regime the better for their future. Because the book explains clearly why you are doing certain exercises you are more confident and can help your child more. The physio was very impressed with the book and will be getting one for the department so it is definately a must for parents (who do the majority of the work!)