Instead of the treatment-orientated perspective in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy, an education-orientated approach is more important

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Education, Special Education Department Chair, Assist. Prof. Dr. Cahit Nuri, speaking within the scope of the 6th of October World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day, stated, “Caused by damage to the undeveloped brain during the prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal period, Cerebral Palsy is the most common physical disability within childhood”.

Noting that there are 4 different types of CP; spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed type, Nuri noted that the most common one is the spastic type.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri reminded that it is observed during the early stages of brain development and that its effects last a lifetime.

Emphasizing that the impact upon the individual’s life varies depending on the location and the extent of the damage, Nuri went on to say, "Connected to this, the individual may experience mental problems, as well as the inability to speak, walk, control their body movements, vision, and perception".

Nuri explained that according to the studies conducted, it is observed that 1 in 4 children with CP can have problems with speaking and epilepsy, 1 in 3 children can have walking problems, and 1 in 2 children can have a mental disability.

Stating that the Cerebral Palsy problems could be in relation to speech, perception, and learning, as much as it related to movement, Nuri continued, “Early diagnosis, intervention, and education are all effective during the period when the learning ability is at its highest, during the development of the brain. In order not to miss this period, the development of babies should be followed up completely.

Highlighting that it is possible to get better results if rehabilitation is started early, Nuri advised, “For example, speech-related problems that are detected early can be fixed easier, or rehabilitation that is started early can reduce the level of balance and movement problems”.

Advising that due to children with CP experiencing difficulties with the things that normally developing children can do and learn easily, it is important that their families educate, Nuri added that all the support provided by the families should not be in the form of treatment, but be in the form of education.

In light of the above, Nuri state that if a child with CP is approached with an education-oriented perspective instead of a treatment-oriented perspective, the child will be in the position to continue their life as a child who participates in the life and has high adaptation skills.