how to adapt physical activities for children with cerebral palsy

[cutiepie2010]

I need to write 5 ways in which physical play can be adapted to ensure children with cerebral palsy can join in with other children. I am finding this hard. As anyone got any ideas to help me with this please?

[Ruthierhyme]

Hi the effects cerebral palsy has on the sufferer is wide ranging which is possibly why you've not had a reply sorry.

Cerebral palsy from CKS and on Royalfree.org.uk - play therapy on Cerebra.org.uk

Activites that require precision, skilled use of space, spontaneity and speed are possibly the ones to need the greatest level of adaption - fine motor skill, gross motor skill, maneuverability.

Resources that are small, awkward to grasp, grip and position using hands, fingers, feet, toes and mouth: eg: Jigsaw pieces, smaller numeracy or interlocking blocks, mark making tools. You may look to replace/adapt/add toys that have larger features.

Spatial resources and gross motor play ..
How easy is it to use the climbing equipment your setting has.
Sit and ride - what is the handle width, does it have a comfortable seat, does it rely on pedals or push along power.
Floor and room layout for play - you may move furniture around to provide the space for unrestrictive play and avoid injury
Dance and movement - not including complex routines until needed.

Visual resources - light images, picture exchange resources that help assist communciation.

It may help more if you know the resources your setting uses to obtain its learning outcomes for children and if they are completely accessible - can be used by everyone.

Browse the internet a little and see what toys/resources are available to buy and how they compare to what your setting has available.

As an example these bell resources have varying degrees of skill attached to them: Jingle bands - stirrup type bells - larger, hand operated bells - bells that promote pincher grip

Play therapy and toys article

Hth xx