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When addressing social problems with cerebral palsy is best to look at a person like a non-disabled person. This person's goal, just like anyone else, is to reach full physical, mental, and emotional potential. Generally this includes living as much as possible in the mainstream of his or her society and culture. People with cerebral palsy tend to be the happiest and most productive when they can go to school with, live with, and work with their peers.
Social problems with cerebral palsy usually stem from difficulty communicating, making it more difficult for social interaction. Poor coordination of the tongue and mouth muscles can affect speech ability in cerebral palsy patients. This can have different adverse affects as the inability for a child to be understood can influence the child’s intellectual development. This is especially possible if the child’s parents don’t take the time to understand his or her attempts at speech, creating social problems with cerebral palsy.
Children may also benefit from picture boards or other communication devices that allow them to point to make their desires known, easing social problems with cerebral palsy. For school-age children or older people with cerebral palsy, there are a growing number of augmentative communication devices. These include shorthand typing programs as well as computer-assisted speech devices, all helpful in the socializing of cerebral palsy patients. A trained speech-language therapist can offer the correct advice on the types of equipment available and those best suited for the individuals needs, reducing social problems with cerebral palsy.
Practicing a few techniques with a child and keeping them involved will eventually show improvement in social problems with cerebral palsy. As often as possible take the child for speech therapy. You can also practice with the child at home in short spells without straining the child. Allow the child time to speak and include the child in conversations as much as possible. If he or she is not being understood, ask again, and suggest the right word showing that she is being understood. Repeat the mispronounced word the right way but do not say that the child is wrong. Fill up gaps in communication with signs, gestures, and with pictures whenever possible. Remember, the most important thing is to encourage communication in order to break up social problems with cerebral palsy.
Communication and socializing is a constant need with any child, disabled or not. Emotions often get in then way of communicating, leading to social problems with cerebral palsy. Everyone wants to feel like they fit in, and being in a wheelchair or having other physical problems can make some people feel self-conscious or left out. People with cerebral palsy want to feel welcome regardless of the situation.
If you have cerebral palsy, remember that lots of other people out there are dealing with it, too. It might not be fun to feel different sometimes, but look at everything you do and enjoy and you'll probably discover you're not really that different from other people. We all face challenges in life, as different as we all may be, and that’s what makes us individuals. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Support groups are located in many communities where you’ll find people as unique as you.