Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

What is one of the key benefits of physical therapy for parents of children with CP?

1. Improving social skills

2. Enhancing motor development

3. Boosting academic performance

4. Reducing the need for medical intervention

The correct answer is: Enhancing motor development

Enhancing motor development is a key benefit of physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and this benefit indirectly supports parents as well. Physical therapy aims to improve the child's mobility, strength, balance, and coordination, which are often affected in children with CP. By focusing on motor development, therapists can devise targeted strategies to help children achieve functional independence, which can improve their overall quality of life. For parents, a child’s enhanced motor skills can lead to increased opportunities for participation in activities and social settings, reducing their reliance on assistance and fostering independence. This progress can ease the emotional and logistical challenges parents face, as they may find themselves less involved in daily care tasks and more free to engage in other aspects of family life. Additionally, as children develop their physical abilities, parents can experience a sense of accomplishment and hope for their child's future, which is often a significant aspect of their emotional well-being. While improving social skills, boosting academic performance, and reducing the need for medical intervention are important areas of development, they are secondary benefits that arise from the foundational improvements in motor skills facilitated by physical therapy. Thus, enhancing motor development is crucial as it serves as the groundwork for broader developmental gains for children with CP, directly impacting parents' experiences