Intrathecal baclofen therapy, a treatment for cerebral palsy and other spastic and rigidity disorders, is showing promise as an effective intervention. This article synthesizes both the medical and rehabilitation conceptual literature to update educators and related service providers as to the efficacy of this intervention. Implications for…

Discussed is the development of an educational card game which provided increased spelling, writing, arithmetic and psychomotor opportunities for a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. (CL)

This pamphlet offers general rules and specific suggestions for people who are dressing children with cerebral palsy. Common dressing problems are examined, such as the child becoming stiff, crossing the legs, or curling the toes, and possible solutions are outlined step-by-step and accompanied by illustrations. Guidelines are also provided for…

Describes an individualized music program designed for a nonverbal, 18-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. A music consultant assisted the special education teacher in planning music activities and adapting music-making methods to the student's level of speech and motor-skill development. The student's interest and participation in music activities…

A travel cane was adapted for use by a 10-year-old boy with cortical blindness, severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy affecting his left arm and leg. The Specific Adaptation Mobility Cane utilizes the affected arm to hold the cane while leaving the other hand free for trailing walls, opening doors, carrying objects, and holding handrails.…

The Computer Access Project offers specialized vocational training to individuals with severe physical disabilities. Ten participants, who were once thought unemployable, were given training in two areas of software applications (computer-aided drafting and bookkeeping). Student selection is described, and the importance of motivation noted.…

A study involving 20 Afrikaans-speaking children with cerebral palsy found that recurrent otitis media in early childhood had a negative effect on articulation abilities of the 7 to 11-year-old children but that other factors such as intelligence also played a role. (JDD)

Described and illustrated are modifications of angling, archery, and ping pong equipment for skill development and recreation of persons with cerebral palsy. (CL)

The material in this manual was selected to help non-therapists carry out feeding activities with children who have a neuromuscular disorder such as cerebral palsy. The manual attempts to develop the following competencies: selecting foods of an appropriate consistency, ensuring that the child is positioned correctly for feeding, feeding a child…

The article offers management strategies to help teachers of elementary students with cerebral palsy. Suggestions address aspects of neuro-developmental and sensorimotor integration and describe such activities as sandbox writing, feel-it boxes, and painting. (CL)

The paper provides basic information about positioning for augmentative and alternative communication, by reviewing some of the communication needs of students severely disabled by cerebral palsy. The wheelchair is proposed as the primary position for use of a communication aid, and guidelines are presented for good wheelchair positioning. (JDD)

Three elementary-aged students with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and severe/profound mental retardation were taught three toothbrushing tasks (brushing teeth, rinsing, and wiping mouth) using time delay to fade physical prompts, reinforcement, and error correction. Two students reached criterion on all three tasks; one student reached criterion on…

The booklet is designed to help people interested in babysitting for children with special needs. A brief explanation of each of the four disabilities covered by this guide (autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mental retardation) is followed by a checklist designed to elicit information on practical issues from parents, such as communication…

An interview with parents of a child with cerebral palsy recount their struggles to find a diagnosis and treatment for their daughter and express their anger over the lack of information and help they were given by professionals. They emphasize the need for honesty and straightforwardness in professionals dealing with parents. (CL)