Mentor
Kathryn Gerken, School Psychology
Participation year
2014
Project title

The effectiveness of using puppets to teach social communication skills to children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (2008) about 1 in every 323 children are identified with cerebral palsy (CP). Children with cerebral palsy have a 41% chance of having co-morbid epilepsy and 7% of children are on the autism spectrum. There are many risk factors for cerebral palsy such as low birth-weight, premature birth, and the disruption of blood or oxygen to the developing brain. A major concern with young children who have cerebral palsy is motor coordination skills. Sometimes there are also concerns about cognitive abilities, speech, and pragmatic language. The purpose of this study was to determine if I could improve the social communication skills of a 6 –year-old boy who has cerebral palsy, pragmatic language difficulties, and suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study was a single subject research design with a multiple component baseline. I worked with him for 50 minutes each day for 10 days. The results were inconsistent in responding to direct questions and asking for help.

Sara Taveras
Education
Wheelock College