A counselor recounts problems of a family with a cerebral palsied child centering on the annual holiday gathering of the extended family. Difficulties with the grandparents on both sides were identified. Open communication by the parents to other family members increased understanding. (DB)

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)

Presents profiles of six gifted Indian children with cerebral palsy. It analyzes their drawings and finds healthy minds and positive attitudes toward life. It also reports on results of participant observation in two schools and interviews with counselors, teachers, and parents. The normality and special talents of these children rather than their…

This article provides a rebuttal of a critique by the original authors of an article (EC 633 617-619) on the use of facilitated communication by a Finnish man diagnosed with mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The original authors ask for an alternative explanation to the attributed authorship when the individual himself is doing the typing.…

This article explains dynamic systems theory (DST), a theoretical framework for the management of children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Three tenets of DST (self-organization of movement, transition, and rate-limiting factors) are examined in light of potential intervention strategies. The need for research to evaluate DST assumptions and…

A review of the changes in the treatment of and attitudes toward cerebral palsy in the last 30 years is presented. The author stresses the need for early diagnosis and evaluation, day care (especially respite care), counseling, transportation, special living arrangements, and integration of this population. (PHR)

This paper examines parallels between aspects of conductive education for brain-damaged children and R. Feuerstein's theory of mediated learning. Two key aspects of Feuerstein's theory are examined and applied to conductive education: structural cognitive modifiability and the mediation process between culture and child. Mediation processes,…

This article highlights difficulties in replicating the Andras Peto Institute for Motor Disorders in Hungary by establishing the Birmingham (England) Institute for Conductive Education, for children with cerebral palsy. Difficulties included a lack of conductive education principles in clear English, failure to properly identify children who could…

A cerebral palsied adult recounts his own healthy education into sexuality by his parents and offers parents suggestions, such as making a candid assessment of their own feelings and ideas regarding sexuality. Parents are encouraged to be informative, realistic, open, and affirmative with all children, whether disabled or not. (DB)

This brochure provides individuals with cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities with 24 specific tips for getting ready for the day and 14 tips for getting out of the house. Tips address organizing for the day, getting out of bed, getting out of the bathtub, dressing procedures and aids, obtaining easy-to-use clothes, tying shoelaces,…

This response to EC 633 617, an analysis of a purported case of facilitated communication, stresses the role of linguistic and grammatical analysis of texts attributed to a Finnish man diagnosed with mental retardation and cerebral palsy. It identifies weaknesses in the analysis, urges use of multi-theoretical approaches, and notes the benefits…

This article on systems change focuses on the efforts of a mentally retarded man with cerebral palsy and his advocates to obtain the resources necessary for him to be able to leave a nursing home and live independently. First, the article identifies two kinds of change: change within the system's rules and changing the rules or the system itself.…

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

Describes a creative approach to including Nora, a student with cerebral palsy, in an outdoor adventure--a hilly, seven-mile trek through Eastern Oregon's Ponderosa pine forests. With teachers' and classmates' help, Nora practiced on a simulated horse and saddle, overcame her fear of heights, and eagerly joined classmates on horseback. (MLH)

A mother recounts her experiences teaching receptive language to her 3-year-old cerebral palsied, mentally retarded daughter. A chart outlines the objectives in language acquisition, the indication(s) of achievement, and date of achievement. (PHR)