Educational, cognitive, behavioral and language development issues

Cerebral malformations are responsible for several developmental disabilities that are heterogeneous both in type and severity. Virtually any type of disorder—cognitive, motor, behavioral, speech, and language—can be present. The cognitive, language, and educational treatment for children affected by brain malformations is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment can range from therapy to management according the severity of the clinical picture and type of disorder. The current knowledge on treatment efficacy is still limited, although a lot of progress has been made. A better integration of a functional approach with up-to-date information on genetics and natural history may lead to the identification of undetected deficits that are known to be associated with a specific genetic disorder or malformation, possibly leading to earlier and better treatment. A correct analysis of the child's environment and the appropriate involvement of the family in sharing the therapeutic objectives are essential because the quality of life of both family and child represents the final goal of every rehabilitative process.