Working with children with cerebral palsy and their families over the years has taught me so much about humanity and never giving up.
Often these children grow up with few resources and limited access to healthcare or therapy intervention. Many mothers travelled for hours with their child on their back to get to their local hospital or attend CP clinics run by community service therapists.
Today, we see CP children from all walks of life. Each one is unique and has something special to offer the world.
There are 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy (CP). Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP. It is the most common physical disability in childhood. CP is a permanent disability that affects movement. Its impact can range from a weakness in one hand to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement.
It is a complex disability:
1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk
1 in 4 cannot walk
1 in 2 have an intellectual disability
1 in 4 have epilepsy
Despite not being able to communicate, we have seen the faces of these children light up in the biggest, most beautiful smiles; we have watched in excitement with parents as their child was able to attend school using a walker and interact in regular activities with the other children; we have helped those with intellectual disability to reach their potential using assistive devices, carer training and therapeutic strategies.
Working with children with Cerebral Palsy is a challenging, but rewarding journey in recognising and celebrating each child's strengths and abilities.
Our therapists have completed the MAES (Movement Analysis & Education Strategies) Therapy Course, run by Senior Neurodevelopmental Physiotherapist, Jean-Pierre Maes. This course has given them a much broader and deeper understanding of children with Cerebral Palsy and similar Neurological Conditions and has provided them with appropriate assessment and treatment strategies to make a real difference in their lives.
Jennifer Brueton Occupational Therapy aims to provide a holistic service to both the child and their family through individualised therapy and appropriate home programmes. MAES is a specialist postgraduate course designed for Paediatric Therapists to specialise in the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy and similar neuro-developmental conditions.
Read more about the benefits of MAES Therapy here.
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