When the brain is injured or grows abnormally, neurons are damaged, altered or lost causing disability. The good news is that the brain will attempt to create new pathways around an injury or allow a healthy area of the brain to take over or relearn how to do things by strengthening an existing healthy connection.
At CPA, we understand the profound impact that neuroplasticity can have when guided with care and precision.
Through engaging and science-based learning experiences, we support babies and children with a range of physical and neurological conditions to reach their full potential. By harnessing neuroplasticity through practice and repetition, the brain creates and reinforce new neural pathways to learn new skills, habits and ways of thinking. Different methods and techniques can be used to access particular parts of the brain that require strengthening.
It’s why the early years of a child’s life are so crucial. They lay the foundations for a lifetime of learning and development. That’s why we’re proud of our Early Diagnosis Clinics; science-backed hope for families navigating the complexities of cerebral palsy.
At CPA, we understand the profound impact that neuroplasticity can have when guided with care and precision.
Time is of the essence when it comes to managing cerebral palsy. Thanks to groundbreaking advancements, children under six months can now be diagnosed with CP. And our Early Diagnosis Clinics located at Croudace Bay in the Hunter, Prairiewood in Western Sydney, and Randwick Children’s Hospital in Sydney offer free tests to babies at high risk of cerebral palsy, to get them into treatment as quickly as possible.
An Australian clinical trial of early intervention for babies with cerebral palsy has shown that starting training before six months of age produces better results than starting at nine months of age, using the exact same training.
We work together with an expert team of paediatric neurologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists offer a holistic approach to diagnosis and intervention. We identify and address developmental challenges early on, paving the way for brighter futures for children with CP.
Targeted, task-specific exercises started within the first 12 months of a child’s life can yield remarkable results. As the delicate connections between brain and spine form, the experiences of infancy shape the trajectory of neural development.
At CPA, we recognise the critical role of early intervention. Our tailored programs, delivered by leading specialists offer a lifeline to families seeking support.
Ten Principles Proven to Facilitate Neuroplasticity in Therapy
Children who do not regularly use and practise a skill can lose these skills and the brain function dedicated to these skills.
Training or specific practise will enhance a function.
Practice of each skill must be very specific to induce plasticity. For example to learn to walk, the child must specifically practise walking, not just general movement skills.
Sufficient repetition is required to induce plasticity, refinement of the skill and memory for how to perform the skill.
Practising skills must occur regularly to induce plasticity. The frequency of the skill practised is especially important for infants, who tire easily.
Different forms of plasticity occur during different stages of the learning. For example, learning new knowledge about a task, refining execution, and making the skill automatic so you can execute without even thinking about it.
If the tasks are motivating for the child more plasticity occurs.
Plasticity occurs more readily in younger brains, as the younger brain is more open to possibilities.
Practising skills should occur in multiple environments, so that the child can learn to execute the task without you being present or with competing demands.
Plasticity can be for good or bad. For example, if you have a bad habit, it is hard to unlearn. It takes time and dedication to learn a new alternative habit.
From individual therapy sessions to group programs and intensive interventions, we offer a range of services to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Start your child’s journey with CPA today, and together, we’ll unlock the potential that lies within.
Contact us at 1300 888 378 or email ask@cerebralpalsy.org.au to speak with our dedicated team.
Your child’s journey towards a brighter future begins now.
References:
Boyd, R. N., Ziviani, J., Sakzewski, L., Novak, I., Badawi, N., Pannek, K., … & Rose, S. (2017). REACH: study protocol of a randomised trial of rehabilitation very early in congenital hemiplegia. BMJ open, 7(9), e017204.
Morgan, C., Novak, I., Dale, R. C., Guzzetta, A., & Badawi, N. (2016). Single blind randomised controlled trial of GAME (Goals. Activity. Motor Enrichment) in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. Research in developmental disabilities, 55, 256-267.
In a 2019 CPA Net Promoter Score survey, 92% of respondents said they are extremely likely or likely to recommend CPA Early Childhood Intervention services.
