Intended for parents of cerebral palsied children, the manual discusses special communication problems that often accompany the condition, and describes various strategies for helping such children communicate. A chapter on positioning for speech diagrams 14 different positions to help facilitate better functioning in many areas, including speech. A chapter on feeding therapy describes some of the ways to provide oral sensory experiences and to facilitate normal oral patterns of movement in a cerebral palsied person. Aspects covered include positioning, drinking, self-feeding, swallowing, and speech. A chapter on helping the child with both cerebral palsy and hearing impairment to communicate covers the detection, testing, and habilitation of such children. Another chapter examines the relationship between breathing and speech so that parents may better understand some of their child's possible difficulties. Specific guidelines are given to assist parents in assessing their child's abilities. In some instances suggestions for corrective steps are given. A chapter on nonverbal communication presents an overview of some alternatives to speech, including communication boards, communication books and other portable devices, and symbols for expressing information via nonverbal systems. A description of a child's normal development from birth to 1 year, with respect to communication, is appended. (DLS)