CEREBRAL PALSY
Rolling and twisting
A child with cerebral palsy is often very stiff when it comes to twisting or rotating
the main part of her body. However, such twisting is necessary for learning to walk.
Rolling also helps develop body twisting.
If the child is very stiff,
first help her ‘loosen up’
by swinging her legs back
and forth.
Then help her learn to
twist her body and roll.
Figure out games so
that the child wants
to twist, and does it
without help.
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For more ideas to develop twisting and rolling, see p. 304.
Sitting
The way that you help position a child for sitting also depends on the type of
abnormal body positions he has. For example,
If his legs push
together and
turn in,
and if his
shoulders
press
down and
his arms
turn in,
sit him
with his
legs apart
and turned
outward.
Also lift his
shoulders up
and turn his
arms out.
Look for simple ways to
help him stay and play
in the improved position
without your help.
Sitting with the legs
in a ring helps turn
hips outward.
For the child with spasticity who
has trouble sitting, you can
control his legs like this.
This leaves your hands free
to help him control
and use his arms
and hands. Help
the child feel
and grasp parts
of his face.
Sit the child on your belly with
his legs spread and feet flat. Give
support with your knees as needed.
As he begins to reach for his face,
help his shoulders, arms, and
hands take more natural positions.
Make a game
out of touching
or holding parts
of his face.
MAKE IT FUN!
As the child develops,
encourage her to put her
arms and body in more
normal positions through
play and imitation.
Children who have
trouble with balance
(from cerebral palsy,
polio, or other
disability) often sit
with their legs in a
‘W’ in order not to
fall over
Sitting in a “W”
should usually be
discouraged because
it can increase
contractures and
loosen or damage
hips and knees.
However, if it is the
only way a child
can sit and use her
hands, it should be
allowed.
Look for ways for the child to sit with legs
spread forward. Here are 2 examples.
The pot or
log keeps
the knees
apart. The
holes for
heels help
too.
disabled village children