How to Cope With Severe Cerebral Palsy

Overview

Researchers at Merck report that children with mild cerebral palsy grow up normally and typically can attend regular schools. Other children with more severe symptoms require special education, extensive physical therapy and lifelong care. Parents with children who are diagnosed with the condition can turn to a number of organizations to learn how to cope with severe cerebral palsy and find tips and support from others who daily deal with the disability.

Step 1

Encourage your child to perform independently, even if certain activities may take them longer to do. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that even small acts of independence can help children with cerebral palsy develop self-esteem.

Step 2

Join a local chapter of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Meet with other parents who may have experiences they can share with you. Through advocacy consumer organizations such as UCP, you can learn about your child's legal rights and how to make change as well as keep in touch with new accessibility developments and medical breakthroughs.

Step 3

Invest in assistive technology (AT) to help your child develop skills and participate in more activities. Tools, such as screen readers for computers and other electronic devices that can help with communication, mobility, playing and eating can provide your child with more independence and take some of the burden from you to do everything for your child.

Step 4

Find a therapist who has been trained in treating children with cerebral palsy. UCP reports that therapists trained in behavioral or cognitive therapy can help children learn how to adapt and change their behavior when necessary. They can use psychological techniques to help children improve their communication skills and to deal with their emotions as they get older and begin looking for ways to adapt.

Step 5

Get someone to help so that you can take a break when necessary. Researchers at UCP report that parents often feel guilty about asking for a break. In reality, however, calling in a respite worker allows parents to continue to provide a healthier environment.