Cerebral palsy is the most common physical motor disorder affecting children. Often, children with CP experience motor challenges, epilepsy, cognitive delays, and vison problems. These symptoms have an impact on a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living or ADLs, which in turn, causes daily challenges for the individual and stress on caregivers and parents. The health system is also impacted by increased costs of physician visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and long-term care to serve the increasing number of children with CP. A study done in Germany showed a 25% improvement in hand-motor function for children enrolled in conductive education and a 20% increase in children’s abilities to perform activities of daily living. Among the most improved activities of daily living are dressing, self-care, and toileting. Research also acknowledges the effects that conductive education has on children’s communication skills. This development is seen through the utilization of rhythmical speaking and singing involved in CE and the opportunity to engage in social interactions through the group environment model that CE provides. Through research of the holistic Hungarian therapy model of conductive education, it has been identified that children show improvement in ADL functioning, communication skills, and overall motor functioning.
