How we can help people with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a collective term used to describe non-progressive neurological disorders that affect physical function. Speech and language therapists can help with difficulties arising from cerebral palsy such as; speech, communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition which can affect a person’s body movement, coordination and posture. It affects both the brain and the nervous system, and is caused by either damage to the brain or abnormal development of the brain. This can occur at a pre-natal stage, during birth or shortly after birth but affects an individual throughout their lifetime.

What causes cerebral palsy?

There are many different known causes of cerebral palsy. Below is a list of just some of these:

• Brain injury.
• Starvation of oxygen to brain.
• Premature birth.
• Cerebral bleed.
• Brain infection such as meningitis.

What problems caused by cerebral palsy can SLT UK help with?

Speech and language therapy can help with problems caused by cerebral palsy in many different ways. Cerebral palsy can differ in severity ranging from mild to severe. The level of speech and language therapy intervention will be determined by each individual case and discussed accordingly.

Our speech and language therapists can help individuals who have cerebral palsy with attention and listening problems, communication problems, swallowing difficulties, voice and speech problems.

How does speech and language therapy help cerebral palsy?

Speech and language therapy can help people who have cerebral palsy. Benefits of speech and language therapy for people who have cerebral palsy can include improved speech and communication, improved coping strategies and a safer, more effective swallow. Speech therapy can also help improve a patient's confidence and self-esteem as they begin to see improvements in communication with others.

What would speech and language therapy treatment for cerebral palsy involve?

An initial assessment will be carried out by one of our speech and language therapists. This will highlight any worries and difficulties you may have with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing. It will also provide a chance for you to share any concerns you may have, and allow you to discuss what you would like to work on and improve.

Speech and language therapy treatment will be individual and specific to the client and may involve assessments, reports, reviews, therapy programmes, support groups, training and advice. Therapy will take place in an environment suited to you to ensure the best outcomes for each of our patients.

Treatment at SLT UK will be specific to the individual’s needs and abilities. Types of treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy can include:

• Total communication approach
• Articulation therapy
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Compensatory strategies
• Eating, drinking and swallowing management

Summary

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects physical function. There are many different causes and speech and language therapy can help with many different symptoms of cerebral palsy. Speech and language therapy can offer many benefits to people suffering from cerebral palsy and the level of intervention will depend upon the severity of the individual’s difficulties.

If you feel you may benefit from speech and language therapy or would like any more information on our services please email office@slt.co.uk or call 0330 088 5643.