ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the challenges posed by the condition of childhood hemiplegia (CH); a partial or total paralysis on side of the body. It considers how the therapeutic effects of magic and drama have been combined to provide a unique solution available within the UK National Health Service: the Breathe Magic program. The chapter also considers the psychosocial and physical challenges faced by CH, as well as the unique and effective solution presented by Breathe Magic. Many interventions have an invasive and painful component and also require additional physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and home-based therapy, without significant results. Hemiplegia has approximately the same incidence rate as Down syndrome, with one in two children having an additional diagnosis, such as epilepsy; some children experience challenges such as perceptual problems, learning difficulties, and behavioral or emotional issues. The magicians recruited to work on the program are highly skilled and internationally award-winning.
