Abstract
M.A.
Cerebral palsy children are members of the families, their needs should be addressed in
the context of life cycle approach, that is, within the family, environment, and social
network Hall and Hill (1996:90). The presence of a child with a disability in the
family has an effect on family members. Family is unit to which cerebral palsy children
belongs ,both by birth and as a right. Therefore, family empowerment is essential if we
seek a well being and acceptable life style for cerebral palsy children. Children with
physical and mental disability who are not functioning optimally have special needs. It
is within this context that needs assessment with parents of cerebral palsy children will
be conducted. This is necessary in order to maintain and create balanced care.
It is important to note that in describing or classifying cerebral palsy, the following two
systems are used, that is, type of neuromuscular involvement (i.e. spastic, anthetoid
etc.) and limbs involvement (i.e. hemiplegic, quadraplegic etc.). In addition, the
description usually include the degree of severity, that is mild moderate or profound.