Dysperceptive Forms
摘要
This chapter first describes semiotics of main perceptual disorders that can appear in cerebral palsied (CP) children affected by bilateral disturbances and their influence on gross motor skills such as startle reaction; position of upper limbs, especially hands, in case of excessive influence of startle reaction; averted gaze before performing movements, especially of lower limbs; blinking and sudden closure of eyes; facial expressions; posture freezing; and above all verbal expressions pronounced by CP children to express their discomfort. The origin of perceptual problems can be attributed to difficulties in collection, interpretation, and re-elaboration of information, especially of the sense of movement, with probable visuo-kinesthetic conflicts, alterations of the reference systems, and unreliable anticipatory perceptual transcription of movements (corollary discharge). A series of clinical situations suitable for observing dysperceptual signs and an interview with 37 multiple-choice questions for caregivers have been elaborated. The two CP forms particularly characterized by perceptive disorders are described: the falling child and straighten-up one, not only analysing postural and gestural behaviours with characteristic variations in tone, and in response to antispastic drugs, but also addressing cognitive and, especially, behavioural aspects, which represent the most important obstacles in functional recovery of these CP children for rehabilitation professionals.