Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Cerebral Palsy?

1. Severe mental retardation in all cases

2. Uncontrollable reflex movement

3. Possible problems with balance

4. Muscle tightness

The correct answer is: Severe mental retardation in all cases

The characteristic that is not true about Cerebral Palsy is the belief that severe mental retardation is present in all cases. Cerebral Palsy is primarily a motor disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills due to brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. While some individuals with Cerebral Palsy may also experience intellectual disabilities, many have normal or above-average intelligence. This misconception stems from the varied spectrum of the condition; Cerebral Palsy can manifest in multiple forms and severity levels. This means that patients can present with a range of cognitive abilities, and there is no universal experience of severe intellectual impairment among individuals with the condition. In contrast, uncontrollable reflex movement, problems with balance, and muscle tightness are common characteristics of Cerebral Palsy. Uncontrollable reflex movement may result from the neurological impairment associated with the condition. Problems with balance occur due to the challenges in controlling movement and muscle coordination. Muscle tightness, or spasticity, is also a hallmark of several types of Cerebral Palsy, affecting the ability to move fluidly.