Pediatric Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Chicago, IL
For a child with cerebral palsy (CP), moving through the world often requires extra focus and intention. Differences in muscle tone and coordination can make everyday activities, such as reaching for a favorite toy, finding a stable sitting position, or moving smoothly between tasks, more physically demanding.
At SensAble Kids, our pediatric occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide individualized, ongoing care for children with CP, designed to help your child navigate their daily activities with strength, confidence, and independence.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
CP is a neurological condition that influences how the brain and muscles communicate. It develops early in life and impacts muscle tone, posture, and coordination. Because CP looks different for every child, some may experience muscle stiffness while others have lower muscle tone that requires more effort to stay upright. While the condition itself remains stable over time, your child’s needs may change as they grow and navigate more complex daily routines and communication demands.
How Occupational Therapy and Speech
Therapy Help Children With Cerebral Palsy
At SensAble Kids, our therapists customize every session to your child’s specific strengths, interests, and unique needs. Our team is trained in evidence-based approaches including MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration), DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention), NDT (Neurodevelopmental Treatment), DIR/Floortime, Craniosacral Therapy, and more. Treatment is designed to grow with them, adapting as their goals and daily routines change.
Therapy for CP focuses on:
- Supporting daily living skills like dressing, feeding, and play
- Integrating primitive reflexes through MNRI to improve postural control and coordination
- Enhancing fine motor skills for writing, drawing, and manipulation tasks
- Addressing sensory processing differences that impact participation
- Supporting communication through speech therapy and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) when needed
- Improving oral motor function and feeding skills through myofunctional therapy techniques
- Building confidence in meaningful activities at home, school, and in the community
What Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Looks Like at SensAble Kids
For children with CP, therapy sessions at SensAble Kids are relationship-based, motivating, and centered on the skills your child uses every day. Using our DIR/Floortime approach, we meet your child where they are and follow their lead to build engagement and functional skills.
During therapy, your child may:
- Practice daily activities like buttoning, zipping, and self-care tasks in playful, meaningful ways
- Work on primitive reflex integration through MNRI techniques to support better postural control
- Engage in sensory-rich activities that help regulate their nervous system
- Use adaptive equipment and strategies to increase independence in daily tasks
- Develop communication skills through speech therapy or explore AAC options to support their voice
- Strengthen oral motor skills through myofunctional therapy approaches for improved feeding and speech
- Experience gentle Craniosacral Therapy to support nervous system regulation and comfort
Why Choose SensAble Kids
For more than a decade, SensAble Kids has provided compassionate, high-quality occupational and speech therapy to children with CP across the Chicago northwest suburbs. By partnering closely with families and honoring each child’s unique pace through our neuroaffirmative, relationship-based approaches, we help build the skills and confidence your child needs to thrive in their daily life. Our goal is to ensure that progress made during therapy translates into meaningful participation and joy at home, at school, and in the community.
Reach Out to SensAble Kids
If your child has CP and you would like to learn more about how occupational therapy and speech therapy can support their daily function and communication, call SensAble Kids at (773) 697-7333, email office@sensablekids.com, or fill out our online form to schedule an evaluation.