There are many treatment options for a child with cerebral palsy (CP). But play can go a long way toward encouraging development. Much of play is about communication and can therefore greatly enhance communication development. Try these tips to develop communication skills:

• Play games blowing and reaching to pop bubbles. This promotes respiratory and motor development.
• Read to your child and encourage pointing and labeling objects.
• Facilitate communication in daily routines. This includes during diaper changes and mealtimes by using music, labeling objects, and repeating your child’s sounds.
• Introduce a straw cup for drinking instead of a sippy cup.