Incorporating Cultural Context and Academic Perspectives in Developing Care for Children With Cerebral Palsy in China

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) denotes a group of disorders that influence motor function and is often associated with conditions such as intellectual disability and hearing/vision problems. Currently, care for children with disabilities in China is heavily focused on “curing” and mitigating symptoms from a medical standpoint. However, treatment from this perspective severely limits the potential for rehabilitation because it excludes societal factors and interdisciplinary study from the narrative. Thus, it is important to identify how the effects of CP extend beyond the diagnosed individual, as research has demonstrated that the condition also influences caregivers and families financially, socially, and emotionally. This chapter will analyze the interdisciplinary nature of this topic by leveraging the fields of bioethics, disability studies, sociology, and psychology to explore cultural attitudes and stigma toward disability while developing a relevant framework for care institutions.