Early Intervention is Key

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A study done in the Netherlands in 2013 it was a study done with cerebral palsy and it was all school-aged children. The Development of social functioning and communication in school-aged (5-9 years) children with cerebral palsy. * This study was done over the course of two years.

This study was done with the intent to understand some of the difficulties that students have, and when some of those may appear. The need for students to connect and have discussions only increases as they age. The students that were participating in the study were those who had the primary diagnosis if CP and few other secondary disorders that affect the motor or communication skills. The study also excluded those whose parents did not have a good grasp of Dutch, as the children participating needed a good foundation of help at hone, school, and community.

It was found in this study that the more severe the disability the lower the scores for their social functioning and their communication. It also decreased with age. Those who were non-ambulatory were unable to participate fully in children's games and as such lose out on many opportunities for greater social functioning. 

Being older with severe restrictions bmakes it more difficult to recover, develop, and keep social functioning and communication open and available. These difficulties only increases over time. It becomes vital that the students begin to receive help as soon as possible. "...Extra supports and resources may be needed in creating opportunities and positive experiences in social situations in and outside school."

For those children who need these supports it is vital that we as leaders provide opportunities for those children who are non-ambulatory. There needs be ways for them to interact and grow even with motor difficulties. 

Keeping technology and assistive services available and accessible to those who are needed of these services. The chance for everyone to access communication and social growth is so vital.




*van Schie, P., Sieves, R., Dallmeijer, A., Schuengel, C., Smits, D., Gorter, J. and Becher, J. (2013). Development of social functioning and communication in school-aged (5-9 years) children with cerebral palsy. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34 (12), pp.4485-4494

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