Visual and hearing impairments are common in children with cerebral palsy. Hearing, speech and language impairments occur in about 30% of children with cerebral palsy. The following table describes the percentage of children with different types of CP living with these impairments.
| Type of CP |
Percent of Children with Visual Impairment |
Percent of Children with Auditory Impairment |
|---|---|---|
| Quadriplegia | 55% | 22% |
| Hemiplegia | 23% | 8% |
| Dyskinetic | 50% | 17% |
It is important to make sure that children have yearly screening for vision and auditory ability. If parents suspect a change, they should notify their primary care physician (PCP) and /or the early intervention team. Some children may have a hearing aid or cochlear implant to assist with hearing.
Talk to the family and early interventionist for the best way to work with the child and include them in everyday routines. These children should be able to participate fully when adaptive devices are in use. It may be difficult to keep glasses on a toddler. You may need to come up with strategies such as using an elastic band to hold the glasses on during play and daily routines. Using good behavioral supports such as complementing the child when they are wearing their glasses will insure that they keep the glasses on during the day.
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