Contributions of behavior modification to cerebral palsy habilitation

The application of behavior modification techniques to cerebral palsy habilitation combines behaviorist psychology and physical therapy. In working together, physical therapists and behaviorists have a great deal to offer children and adults with cerebral palsy. I present a behaviorist perspective on how cerebral palsy affects an individual's interactions with the environment and how the environment can be modified to teach and improve motor functioning. The usefulness of this perspective in guiding physical therapy is discussed and research in which behavior modification has been used in cerebral palsy habilitation is reviewed.