Main description:

The book has been designed to provide readers with an understanding of cerebral palsy (CP) as a developmental as well as a neurological condition. It details the nature of CP, its causes and its clinical manifestations. Using clear, accessible language (supported by an extensive glossary) the authors have blended current science with metaphor both to explain the biomedical underpinnings of CP and to share their awareness that there is much that can be done to promote child and family development, enhance the capabilities of young people with CP, empower their families, and chart a course into adulthood.

The authors have reviewed classification and have emphasised the wide range of functional impairments that are seen in both children and adults with cerebral palsy. In doing so they have used the ICF framework and have described the range of interventions that may be applicable to people with cerebral palsy whilst emphasising that the condition is lifelong and that promotion of adaptation is a key component to understanding its nature and effects.

Essential reading for parents and carers of those with cerebral palsy, clinicians, paediatricians, neurologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Contents:

Authors vii

Acknowledgements viii

Foreword John Mantovani ix

Preface xi

Part 1 Cerebral Palsy - Background Perspectives

1 What is cerebral palsy? 3

2 Epidemiology: patterns and causes of cerebral palsy Niina Kolehmainen 14

3 Aetiological considerations 28

4 How is cerebral palsy categorized, why is this done and what are the potential pitfalls? 39

5 What does the designation 'cerebral palsy' tell us, and how does this relate to other developmental and neurological disabilities? 51

Part 2 Contextual Factors and Critical Thinking

6 Evaluating evidence 59

7 The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health 70

8 Cerebral palsy and the family 76

Part 3 Clinical Perspectives in Cerebral Palsy

9 Clinical recognition, diagnosis and assessment of children with cerebral palsy 89

10 Principles of interventions 102

11 Interventions: orthodox and heterodox. A perspective on issues in 'treatment' Margaret Mayston 115

12 Therapists and therapies in cerebral palsy Margaret Mayston 124

Part 4 Outcomes in Childhood and Beyond

13 Outcomes 151

14 Transition to adulthood 161

15 Adult functioning 169

Glossary 181

Appendices 189

Index 201