Beyond Words: Communication Strategies for Children with Cerebral Palsy

If your child has cerebral palsy, it may affect their ability to speak. Being able to communicate with others is the basis for feeling connected. Imagine for a moment if you couldn’t communicate in a way others can understand you. 

Researchers estimate that between 50-80% of children with cerebral palsy have dysarthria, or difficulty speaking. Cerebral palsy can affect brain signals to the muscles, including facial, mouth, throat, respiratory muscles, and more, inhibiting your loved one’s ability to speak. 

Your child with cerebral palsy can benefit from a health care team. Our board-certified pediatric neurologist, Dr. Charles Niesen, and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, provide the expertise needed to ensure your loved one receives the appropriate support to live up to their full potential. 

Your child may need a speech therapist, physiotherapist, and/or occupational therapist, among other health care professionals, to enable them to communicate so they’re understood. 

Modern technology has been a game-changer in assisting those with cerebral palsy to communicate with others. The following are some strategies, ranging from low-tech to high-tech, which can help your child communicate. 

Augmented communication strategies 

Strategies that augment communication vary widely. 

Low-tech assistive devices

Low-tech strategies to help your child with writing include weighted pencils, pencil grips, and slanted writing boards.

Communication boards

Your nonverbal child may need a communication board, an assistive device that resembles a tablet. If your child can use their hands or a pointer, they can select letters, words, or groups of words to communicate using touch screen technology. 

Many communication boards are high-tech, enabling your non-verbal children to communicate more effectively. These are often speech-generating devices. When your child points to symbols, letters, and other images on the board, the device produces sentences. 

You and your child can customize the screen on the communication board to create categories of topics they enjoy talking about. 

Speech-generating devices can produce computer-generated, or synthesized, speech from text. Your child can use a keyboard if they have use of their hands. 

Alternatively, they may use a head-operated switch or an eye-tracking system if they’re unable to point. Your child moves their eyes to point to letters on a screen. The computerized communication board generates synthesized speech. 

Alternative communication strategies 

Perhaps you’ve started teaching your child sign language. It’s a common alternative communication method, especially if they’re hearing-challenged. You can experience in-depth communication if they enjoy using sign language to talk with you. 

Coordinating services for your child 

AMS Neurology helps coordinate the services your child needs. We ensure you’re connected with a board-certified speech-language practitioner and all the other specialists they need. 

Your child’s specialists locate the right assistive devices based on their abilities and preferences. You may qualify for financial help if your child needs a high-tech assistive device. 

Call AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today if your loved one has cerebral palsy.