Integrating Neurodevelopmental Treatment and Sensory Integration-Theory and Practice in the Client with Cerebral Palsy By

The client with cerebral palsy often shows signs of problems integrating sensory information in combination with a motor disorder. This may be, in part, due to the initial insult or cause of the CP, but may be made worse by the lack of independent movement and absence of typical development that helps children learn to integrate sensory inputs. Medical issues and alterations in tone set the stage for limiting the child’s early development. The child with cerebral palsy is hindered in his ability to move against gravity, integrate primitive reflexes, experience body exploration and experience tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular inputs as typically developing children do. Additionally, children with cerebral palsy often miss out on rough housing and other types of play that yield tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular inputs, limiting the child’s opportunities to develop efficient, accurate sensory processing and preventing quality sensory-motor experiences; setting the stage for or contributing to existing regulatory disorders, modulation difficulties and delays in perceptual and higher level cognitive skills. The lack of movement also prevents the child from developing postural reactions, postural control and good body scheme, the foundation for motor planning an