How to interact with persons with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. The level of difficulty with interacting with CP persons is dependent on the severity of each case of cerebral palsy. Some people with CP may be able to assimilate into society with only a slight bit of awkwardness; others require lifelong care. Due to the range of severity in cases of cerebral palsy, interacting with CP persons can be relatively easy or somewhat challenging.

Things You'll Need

• Communication aids (possibly)

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn how severe of a case of CP the person has before interaction. Knowing ahead of time the severity of the disability will help you plan for your interaction. You should know if any type of communication aid, like a computer or picture board, will be needed. Computers can be used to type messages to one another during interaction. A picture board, which uses illustrations to communicate messages, is a common aid for more severe cases of cerebral palsy. A person points to an illustration on the picture board in order to send a message.

• 2

  Find out the interests of the person who has CP. Picking an activity or subject of conversation which the person with cerebral palsy can relate to is crucial. You do not want to plan an activity the person can't do or talk about something the person with CP can't relate to.

• 3

  Interact. Play a game, or just sit and have a conversation. Whatever you do, treat the person with CP as your equal.