Low cost Assesment Kit and positioning device for infant CP

Awareness on Early detection and Intervention on CP among Mothers of high risk infants/toddlers helps to minimize secondary impairments (structural and positional deformities that affect motor development e.g. scoliosis) in spite of having Cerebral Palsy which allows longer & happier life span. Hence my idea as a therapist is to use a parent/ infant friendly cost effective assessment kit which should be universally accessible with necessary resource materials in identifying CP or developmental delay at an early stage followed with early intervention through cost effective positioning device.

The Early low cost Assessment kit has to be initially introduced to mother by a therapist/physician who transfers some basic skills for doing the assessment following concern of their child. The assessment needs follow up from the families and if reported any red flags they need to be referred to a rehab center/ hospital for immediate therapeutic intervention.

The Assessment kit can have simple tools such as a pen torch to test for checking visual fixation, a match box with few sticks for auditory response by shaking closer to baby ears, rattle or shakers for response of hand grasp when dangled in front, an attractive toy to bring attention towards midline and check for bilateral hand use and some basic primitive reflex test for their legs e.g. stroking infant feet for a response, belly time to check if your baby lifts head up and move side to side etcetera. Educating to monitor suck, swallow, breathing, response of alternate movement during cry or overwhelmed situation. The above tests will give Mom a clue on child’s motor development and plan for intervention.

In a case of Intervention for young infants at home with CP or neuro-motor impairment, appropriate positioning and ways of handling is necessary for parents since infants spend maximum time on bed and parent’s arms/hands. A low cost positioning device is another idea which can be adapted to accommodate necessary therapy equipment during the early stages of development for an infant/toddler with CP. The cost effective positioning device is made of either clay mud or waste newspaper soaked in water and dried. This equipment comes with rolls, wedges and supports which can be stuck to each other or mat, adjusted to provide adequate support and containment to sustain flexed/ midline postures and other positions in an attempt to minimize positional deformities which assist infants in remaining calm and organized. In summary the goal is to provide early ways of detection and thereof minimizing handicap for your child for a long life in spite of having the so called Cerebral Palsy.