98 chapter 9
If the child’s
legs stay
apart, his
butt sticks
out, and his
shoulders are
pulled back,
first sit him
with his body
bent forward
and his legs
together.
Then bend
his shoulders
forward and
turn them in.
Look for ways that the child will
sit and play in the improved
position without help.
A sack of grain provides a roll
to hold this child’s legs apart.
Her father pushes down on
her knees. This helps her to
hold her feet flat and sit up
straighter. (PROJIMO)
Play with her
at a table. Sit
across from
her to have her
reach forward
for toys with
both hands.
Be sure her
feet are
on a flat
surface.
For ideas on special seats and sitting positions to prevent ‘knock-knee’
contractures, see below. Other ideas on special seats for children with cerebral palsy
are on pages 308, 573, 607 to 612, 621 and 624.
Moving about
Because children with cerebral palsy are usually delayed in walking, they need other
ways to get from place to place. The methods used will depend on both the needs and
abilities of the child—also the resources, skills, and imagination of family, friends, and
local craftspersons.
Aids for ways to get from place to place should provide corrective positions. The
following examples are all designed to help prevent ‘knock-knee’ contractures. They
also provide other types of corrective positioning.
half of an
old bucket
or drum
‘lights’
(can tops)
padding
bell ring
casters
(wheels
that turn
sideways)
strap
(if needed)
Wheelboards
Adapting wheel boards for
travel on rough surfaces
padding
Pad or put a
pillow over this
support. (Some
children will
not need this
support.)
By placing large wheels near the middle,
if the smaller front caster gets stuck, the
child can lift with his arms and go on.
Or if a fixed front wheel is used, he can
lift it off the ground to make turns.
For dirt or bamboo floors, larger wheels
will be needed.
For other wheelboard designs, see p. 618.
Some children will need
wheelchairs. For
wheelchair
designs, see
Chapters 64,
65 and
66.
For special cushions, to
help hold a child’s hips
back and her knees apart,
see p. 609.
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