Interventions

Medical specialists, e.g. rehabilitation specialists, paediatricians

Medical specialists may prescribe medications that reduce involuntary movements, such as spasticity. Some medications are taken orally (e.g. diazepam) and others are injected or delivered through surgically implanted pumps (e.g. Baclofen). Many children with cerebral palsy benefit from Botulinum toxin type A injections into muscles affected by spasticity. This intervention is used from about two years of age and is most effective when used in conjunction with therapy.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure that is used in a small percentage of children with cerebral palsy to permanently reduce spasticity in their legs.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists focus on encouraging a person’s day-to-day movement skills such as sitting, walking, playing, dressing and toileting. They will use a range of specialist interventions such as movement training and equipment, e.g. walking frames, wheelchairs, supportive seating, footwear and orthotics.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists may also focus on preventing impairments that might affect movement. They use casts, orthotics and muscle strengthening exercises.

Medical specialists, e.g. orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists

Orthopaedic surgeons correct joint deformities and lengthen muscles. Surgery usually takes place in a child’s late primary years or early adolescence to improve walking quality and reduce pain. Paediatric rehabilitation specialists support the management of some of the conditions associated with cerebral palsy, such as spasticity, musculoskeletal issues and growth.

Speech pathologists

Speech pathologists may assist a child’s communication skills – their understanding of what is said to them and how they express themselves. Speech pathologists may use speech therapy, or support children and adults to use alternative methods of speech such as signing or the use of picture symbols or electronic devices.

Psychologists, special educators and occupational therapists

Psychologists can provide assessment of a child’s learning and development. Special educators work with families to develop a program of interventions to address each child’s learning needs. Occupational therapists can facilitate a child’s active participation in these learning activities.

Psychologists and occupational therapists

Psychologists and occupational therapists can provide assessment and recommend learning strategies to compensate for perceptual difficulties.

Medical specialists, e.g. neurologists

Medical specialists may prescribe antiepileptic medication to minimise the number of seizures. They will also guide families on the management of seizures when they do occur. Regularly review of antiepileptic medication is important.

Medical specialists, e.g. neurologists

Pain may be treated through medication and by addressing the underlying cause of the pain, e.g. by treating muscle contractures.

Psychologists

Psychologists may offer cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic pain. This process works to help a person change the way they think about pain and, in turn, how they feel and behave about pain.

Massage Therapists and Hydrotherapy

Temporary relief of pain may be assisted through massage or hydrotherapy.

Acupuncture

Temporary relief of pain may be assisted through acupuncture.

Medical specialists, e.g. paediatricians

Medical specialists may prescribe medication or treat the associated issues that impact on sleep.

Psychologists

Psychologists may assist with behaviour therapy or help families to establish routines to help resolve children’s sleep issues.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists

For children with postural issues that make sleep difficult, occupational therapists and physiotherapists may prescribe special sleep systems to help children feel more comfortable in bed.

General practitioners (GPs)

GPs will help to monitor psychological health and may refer to specialist practitioners, such as psychiatrists, as needed.

Psychologists and social workers

Psychologists can offer assessment and support for emotional and behavioural challenges, which may include behaviour therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. Social workers support people with cerebral palsy and their families in many ways, including strengths-based counselling and mutual aid groupwork.

General Practitioners (GPs)

GPs play an important role in monitoring nutrition and growth, digestion and management of constipation.

Medical specialists, e.g. gastroenterologists

Medical specialists may prescribe medications or surgery for managing symptoms of gastric reflux. They may also recommend non-oral feeding such as tube feeding.

Speech pathologists and dietitians

Speech pathologists also provide support with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Dietitians may also provide advice on balanced nutritional intake.

Speech pathologists

Speech pathologists may suggest behavioural interventions to help people manage their own saliva loss. They may also recommend special exercises for the face and mouth, which can help with coordination of the mouth and ultimately the ability to control saliva.

Medical specialists

Medical specialists may prescribe medication for saliva control. This is not usually considered a long term treatment option, but can be useful to dry up saliva temporarily. Botulinum Toxin Type A, injected into the salivary glands has also shown to reduce the secretion of saliva. In severe cases of drooling, surgery may be suggested to permanently manage saliva.

Medical specialists, e.g. ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists specialises in treatment of diseases of the eye, eye surgery and eye movement disorders. They can prescribe corrective eye wear, such as glasses or contact lenses if needed.

Optometrists and orthoptists

Optometrists prescribe and make up corrective eyewear. Orthoptists assist with assessment of vision and provide non-surgical therapy for eyes.

Audiologists

Audiologists can identify and measure hearing loss and assess the health of the organs of hearing. They can also fit hearing aids.

General practitioners (GPs) and medical specialists

GPs and medical specialists may also support with diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as middle ear infections that can also impair hearing.