Transforming Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Evidence to Practice

WHO SHOULD JOIN

Doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists/speech pathologists, community health/rehabilitation workers, researchers and primary caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

This webinar aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement evidence-based early intervention strategies for infants and young children diagnosed with, or at high risk of, cerebral palsy (CP). Participants will gain insights into the latest evidence, key therapeutic approaches, and alignment with international guidelines to optimise functional outcomes.

CONTENTS

1. Overview of the latest evidence on early intervention strategies for children with CP

2. Application of key intervention methods, including:

   • Goal Directed Training (GDT)

   • Game Activity Motor Enrichment (GAME)

   • Interventions for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and cognitive impairment

   • Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

   • Bimanual Therapy (BT)

3. Summary of international clinical practice guidelines for CP management

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Collaborate effectively with primary caregivers to set meaningful intervention goals

• Apply a range of evidence-based early intervention strategies, including GDT, GAME, CIMT, BT, and home programmes

• Integrate strategies to support children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) within early intervention plans

• Align clinical practice with international guidelines for the treatment and management of children with CP

FACILITATOR

A/Prof Cathy Morgan, PhD

Principal Research Fellow & Program Lead, Early Detection & Intervention

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Australia

PRE-WEBINAR READING MATERIALS

• Mastos M, Miller K, Eliasson AC, Imms C. Goal-directed training: linking theories of treatment to clinical practice for improved functional activities in daily life, 2007 – SAGE

• GAME (Goals–Activity–Motor Enrichment) Trial Protocol – NIH

• Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy With Asymmetric Motor Impairment – Pediatrics, AAP

• Effects of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Young Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: An Adapted Model – Wiley

• State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy – Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, Springer

• International Clinical Practice Guideline: Interventions to Improve Physical Function for Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy – AusACPDM