Medical and Social Aspects of Adaptation and Career Guidance of Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy in Educational Institutions: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Infantile cerebral palsy is the disease caused by numerous factors and, in most cases, developing in the fetus in utero. The leading disorder in cerebral palsy is a permanent motor impairment, which is combined with impaired mental development, speech disorders, and mental retardation. Objective: To assess the abilities of children with cerebral palsy to adapt in educational institutions of different levels, choose profession, and get employed. Material and methods: The search for information was carried out on eLibrary.ru and PubMed using the following keywords: cerebral palsy, children, adolescents, education, adaptation, and career guidance. Of 496 sources found, 41 papers were found eligible for the review, most of them published in 2014–2023. Results: It has been shown that socialization of such children is difficult; their attendance of kindergartens and schools are important stages. When preparing a child with cerebral palsy for school, it is necessary to take into account his desire to limit social contacts. Inclusive education is aimed at socializing such children, providing them the opportunity to interact with ordinary peers. The role of tutors in the adaptation of children with cerebral palsy to the kindergarten, school, college and university and the preparedness of teachers is discussed. Special training programs for teachers are required. Information and communication technology tools used in education facilitate adaptation of children, adolescents and students with cerebral palsy. It is necessary to make greater use of digital technologies and create a bank of professions for career guidance and employment of people with cerebral palsy. Conclusion: The review presents the advantages of inclusive education that significantly contributes to socialization of children and adolescents and the choice of profession. It is important to have tutors for the adaptation of children with cerebral palsy in kindergarten, school, college and university, and special teacher training programs.