Parenting a Child with Cerebral Palsy

Being a parent is challenging at the best of times. Raising a child is fraught with uncertainty and fear, balanced with pleasure and wonder. This is especially true when it comes to children with unique needs, such as those with Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills caused by damage or abnormalities in the developing brain.

Parents are encouraged to look for the best treatment for Cerebral Palsy which helps them understand the requirements of the condition and how to manage it. When your child is diagnosed with the condition, there is a lot to learn including diagnosis of the symptoms, causes, and needs based on age.

Overview of the Condition

Cerebral Palsy is caused by an abnormality or disruption in brain development, most often before a child is born. In many cases, the cause is not known. Factors that can lead to problems with brain development include:

•     Gene mutations that lead to abnormal development
•     Maternal infections that affect the developing fetus
•     Fetal stroke, a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain
•     Bleeding into the brain in the womb or as a newborn
•     Infant infections that cause inflammation in or around the brain
•     Traumatic head injuries to an infant from a motor vehicle accident or fall
•     Lack of oxygen to the brain related to difficult labor or delivery

Some of the potential issues a child with Cerebral Palsy may face include:

•     Movement and walking disabilities
•     Speech and learning difficulties
•     Cognitive impairments
•     Hearing or vision loss
•     Epilepsy
•     Emotional and behavioral challenges
•     Spinal deformities
•     Joint problems

Looking Ahead for your Child

As parents and caregivers, you need to have a plan if your child is diagnosed. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. But do not worry — you're not as alone as you might feel. Depending on the age, requirements may vary.

The following lists can help you determine the steps to take to help your baby, toddler, preschooler, or teenager.

Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Babies & Preschoolers

Early Intervention

Early diagnosis is important to provide the best quality of care. Apart from medical care, there are several resources and services that are beneficial.

Consider Help

Depending on how severe the condition is, in-home care, as well as daycares, can be helpful for your child and give you a break from round-the-clock caregiving.

Plan Activities and Play Dates

Since children with Cerebral Palsy benefit from socializing, consider setting up playdates with other children. Join a support or social group for parents of children with special needs. This can help you feel less isolated and can provide your child with valuable peer experiences.

Secure Your Child's Future

Speak with an attorney about establishing legal and financial frameworks that will protect your child in the future.

Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Ages 6 to 12

Look into an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Many children with Cerebral Palsy need an IEP which can include physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.

Get Tech Savvy

Technology can help kids with Cerebral Palsy complete tasks and reach goals that would be too difficult to do on their own. For instance, forearm crutches, braces, a walker, a gait trainer, or a wheelchair can help children walk independently. For kids who find it difficult to speak, computer programs and electronic devices can vocalize their thoughts.

Plan Activities and Play Dates

Many sports programs can help your child to be physically active while also meeting new friends who have similar challenges. Friendships help all kids develop important social skills and make them more sensitive to the needs of others.

Address Emotional Needs

Kids with disabilities sometimes feel vastly different from other children, and this can make them feel angry or sad. Talk with your child about their day and make sure they know they can come to you with any problem.

Prepare for Puberty

Talk with your doctor about what to expect as your child matures, and how to handle it. Reassure your child that the changes that come with puberty are normal.

Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Teens & Young Adults

Start the Transition Plan

Once your child becomes a teenager, planning for the future becomes all-important. It is a lot to consider, but transition planning can help. With forethought and help from your child's school and doctors, you can make the move to adulthood as smooth as possible for you and your child.

Explore Life-skills Training

Consider enrolling your child in programs focusing on teaching life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, job training, and financial literacy.

Do the Legal Work

Once kids turn 18, no matter what their cognitive abilities, they are considered adults in the eyes of the law. If your child cannot make decisions about medical or financial affairs, consider securing a power of attorney. This will allow you to continue to make medical or financial decisions on your child's behalf.

Treatment

The best treatment for Cerebral Palsy takes into consideration all aspects of the patient, including age, the severity of condition, and requirements. A successful treatment plan includes:

•     Stem Cell Therapy
•     Occupational Therapy
•     Physiotherapy
•     Speech and Language Therapy

With a little patience, care, and love, children with Cerebral Palsy can grow up to have long and wholesome lives.