Cerebral Palsy

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Information on Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is an incurable condition in which permanent brain damage causes impairments in mental functioning, speech, walking and/or movement.

Although the type and severity of cerebral palsy varies from patient to patient, in all cases, parents and teachers of children with cerebral palsy – as well as cerebral palsy patients themselves – will benefit from learning more about the cerebral palsy causes, symptoms of cerebral palsy and treatments of this condition.

The more families, teachers and patients understand about cerebral palsy, the better they will be able to interact with their child and help improve his or her quality of life.

Cerebral Palsy Information for Teachers

Teachers can be effective mentors of and motivators for children living with cerebral palsy. Some important information on cerebral palsy that is specifically relevant for teachers includes:

Be aware of items, floor plans or building designs that hinder mobility. In some cases, it's helpful to rearrange the setup of classrooms to help cerebral palsy students get around more easily.
Incorporate appropriate assistive technologies in your lesson plans. Assistive technologies are special programs and equipment (such as computer programs) that help improve cerebral palsy students' understanding of the world and help them interact with it more appropriately.
Foster cerebral palsy students' other interests. Sports, arts and music are outside interests that teachers can encourage their students to pursue. Having hobbies outside of school is a good way to boost cerebral palsy students' self-image.
Regularly communicate with parents of cerebral palsy students. It's important to regularly update parents about their child's progress, struggles and changing needs.

Cerebral Palsy Information for Parents

Parents of children with cerebral palsy will also have to take some special measures to promote optimal physical, mental and emotional health for their children and entire family unit.

Some things parents can do include:

Follow through with all prescribed medical treatments. This can help children with cerebral palsy regain some coordination, movement and speech abilities. In the long-term, ongoing medical care can significantly improve a cerebral palsy patient's quality of life.
Pay attention to and treat your own feelings. Raising a child with cerebral palsy can be highly rewarding and, yet, uniquely challenging. When frustration or other emotions start to get parents down, it's essential that they attend support groups or go to therapy to address and work through their feelings. Staying mentally and emotionally healthy is key to keeping your child motivated and happy.
Regularly schedule fun outings with your child. While playing the disciplinarian is part of being a parent, be sure to do fun activities with your child on a regular basis. Going to the zoo, park or movies are some easy ways to spend fun quality time with children living with cerebral palsy.
Plan time to do things you want to do. Although raising a child with cerebral palsy will be time-consuming, parents can and should take some time to practice activities they enjoy doing by themselves (or with their partners or other adults). Maintaining a strong sense of self is crucial to remaining optimistic and getting the best out of your relationship with your child.

Cerebral Palsy Information for Kids

Children living with cerebral palsy, as well as kids who have a sibling with cerebral palsy, will also benefit from having a better understanding of the condition. When talking to children about cerebral palsy, it's important that parents and/or teachers:

Explain that having physical differences and special needs is a part of life
Sternly discourage kids from making fun of another's special needs
Teach children how to be aware and accepting of cerebral palsy impairments
Encourage children with cerebral palsy (or siblings and friends of these children) to get involved in community organizations and/or support groups that plan social activities and provide emotional support for people living with this condition

Has your child been born with Cerebral Palsy? If so, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer today for further resources and information.

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