SYMPTOMATIC DIAGNOSIS
In order for the parent to begin to understand the nature of their child's problem, it will be necessary to explore the vague and contradictory terminology applied to children with problems. Of the many terms used to categorize children with problems, few are attempts to describe the source of the problem, rather they are descriptions of the symptoms. In that a child may possess a variety of symptoms, a number of different symptomatic labels may be attached to each child. In addition to the problem of more than one term being applicable to an individual child, there is within the fields dealing with such children tremendous difference of opinion and controversy over the definitions and applications of specific terms. A thorough discussion of terms could easily comprise an entire volume in itself, and is outside the scope of this particular text. I wish only to give the parent some understanding of terms which may be applied to their child. In order to simplify the parent's task of acquiring some understanding of the various terms, I will endeavor to define each specific term as it relates to the general term of cerebral palsy, and as it affects or relates to a child's functional abilities.