The Bliss symbol nonverbal communication system, based on a logical visual language, is described; the use of Blissymbolics to provide functional communication for nonverbal cerebral-palsied children is explained; and areas for future application and development of the system are suggested. (Author/IM)

In extensive interviews, an augmentative communication user with cerebral palsy (age 25) reflected on the effectiveness of devices designed for her during her school career. Among emergent themes were a disproportionate emphasis on "device usage" over "speech usage," allowing professionals to dominate the decision-making…

The Dohsa method, a therapeutic method used for children with autism, was originally developed for children with cerebral palsy in Japan. This article introduces the theoretical background, therapeutic techniques, and effectiveness of this method. The necessity of combining this method with other therapeutic techniques is discussed. (Contains…

The parents of a wheelchair-bound nine-year-old child with cerebral palsy and little speech or communication ability describe the role of electronic technology in improving the child's life in the areas of mobility, communication, and education. (DB)

Noun and verb comprehension of 11 children with cerebral palsy or other motor impairments was assessed by presenting a linguistic stimulus and determining whether the child watched a video event that matched or did not match the stimulus. Subjects, aged 2-6, watched the match significantly more, especially when dynamic visual stimuli were…

This paper evaluates two research projects concerned with conductive education for children with cerebral palsy, one in Germany and the other in the United Kingdom. Issues of generalizability and drawing causal conclusions are raised. The paper finds that neither the most sanguine expectations nor the worst misgivings about conductive education…

Reviews six films designed for adults released between 1988 and 1992, most of which focus on the challenges that children face, including (1) See What I'm Saying; (2) Something Magical; (3) We Have Something to Say: Children, Computers, and Special Education; (4) Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America; (5) Take Me to Your Leaders; and (6) The…

Two adult males with severe motor and speech deficits resulting from cerebral palsy were trained to use an augmentative communication system (Touch Talker) independently. Results demonstrated that training on operation of the device was insufficient to ensure improvement in conversation performance and that it was important to incorporate direct…

This study uses a case study of a woman with profound mental retardation and severe cerebral palsy to illustrate uses of speech recognition systems to allow choice making and environmental manipulation that increase her sense of personal control and independence. Guidelines and recommendations for choosing a speech-recognition product and…

This article discusses family-centered functional therapy, a model of practice for children with motor dysfunction based on tenets derived from family-centered philosophy and dynamic systems theory. This model stipulates that parents must be included in the identification of functional goals. Positive results of pilot work with 12 children are…

Twelve nonambulatory adults with severe speech impairments associated with cerebral palsy were studied to examine the effects of aided-message length (single-word vs. phrase-generated messages) and partner feedback on perceptions of communicative competence while using an adult augmentative and alternative communication system. Results indicated…

Children with developmental delays often have feeding difficulties resulting from oral-motor problems. Based on both clinical experience and a review of published studies, oral-motor interventions have been shown to be effective in improving the oral function of preterm infants and children with neuromotor disorders, such as cerebral palsy.…

This study of 22 individuals (ages 13-20) with cerebral palsy investigated the use of scanning, an interface technique that allows access to assistive devices such as communication boards, electronic augmentative communication devices, and computers by using a pointer, either a finger or a cursor. This packet of information includes the findings…

Viewed from an ecological perspective, maternal sense of competence and social support would be expected to influence a mother's spontaneous interactions with her infant. In this study 29 mother-infant dyads were visited in their homes when the infants with cerebral palsy were 18 months old. Infants' solitary spontaneous play and mother-infant…