Cerebral palsy is a permanent, non-progressive condition caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This condition can affect body movement, muscle control, reflexes, posture, and balance.
It can also lead to visual, learning, speech, and intellectual impairments. While it is incurable, therapy plays a vital role in managing its effects, and early intervention is crucial to increasing a child’s potential for independence and quality of life.
Speech and Language Therapy
Cerebral palsy can affect the language centers in the brain that control speech, resulting in difficulty with using the correct words or an inability to express oneself. In such cases, a speech and language pathologist can assist in finding ways in which your child can begin to communicate through cues, sign language, or augmentative communication devices.
These forms of therapy are effective in addressing several cerebral palsy-related conditions, including:
- Dysarthria: This is a motor speech disorder that affects the muscles used for speech, causing slurred or slow speech.
- Apraxia: This is a neurological disorder that impacts the planning and coordination of speech movements, leading to difficulty forming words and sentences.
- Aphasia: This is a disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language centers, resulting in difficulty understanding or expressing language.
- Difficulty With Social Communication: Understanding and using language appropriately in social situations can be especially challenging in people with cerebral palsy.
Speech pathology addresses not only the act of speaking but also the ability to comprehend language. A speech therapist will also address other issues, such as word formation, pronunciation, listening, vocabulary development, and the ability to engage in direct conversation.
If a child is nonverbal, a speech pathologist can also help identify other ways in which the child can express himself or herself to promote human interaction. Therapists use gestures, symbols, touching, picture boards, or technology-based methods to achieve this.
The Benefits of Speech and Language Therapy
Communication is a vital part of daily life and is a crucial element in how our personalities form. Children with cerebral palsy face a daily challenge of communicating their thoughts, which is why speech and language therapy are necessary for proper intervention. It provides children with the chance to learn adaptive and compensatory communication strategies.
Other key benefits include:
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Improved communication skills empower children with cerebral palsy, fostering a positive self-image and greater confidence in interacting with others.
- Improved Quality of Life: The ability to communicate effectively enriches a child’s life experiences and promotes their overall well-being.
- Increased Academic and Social Success: Better communication supports learning and more meaningful relationships with peers and adults.
- Reduced Frustration and Behavioral Issues: Having an outlet for expression can minimize frustration and associated challenging behaviors.
Overall, speech and language therapies play a transformative role in the lives of children with cerebral palsy, allowing them to connect with the world around them. Seeking compensation to cover these essential services ensures that your child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
If You Need Legal Help, Contact Fieger Law
The Michigan birth injury lawyers at Fieger Law have years of experience helping families get the compensation they deserve. If you’re exploring your legal options after a birth injury, contact us today for a free consultation.
Originally published June 8, 2017.
