Approximately 500,000 children and adults in the United States have cerebral palsy (CP). This disorder appears during the early years of a child's life, affecting motor skills and muscle tone. Limitations may also occur with related vital functions such as breathing, eating, learning and bladder and bowel control. The medical community is unsure about the causes of CP, but brain injuries that occur before, during or within the first few years after birth may be the cause. Cerebral palsy is not curable but treatment helps improve a child's life.
Step 1
Talk with other families that have a child with cerebral palsy and read about the disorder. Use this information to educate yourself, family and friends about cerebral palsy. Become informed about the causes and treatment of CP. Share this information with friends and family to help them be knowledgeable and supportive of the challenges facing you and your child.
Step 2
Discuss with your child's doctor what medications might help your child. Depending on the symptoms and their severity, medications may be appropriate to help your child function at her fullest potential. The Mayo Clinic explains that there are two medications sometimes used to treat children with CP: muscle relaxants and botulinum toxin type A. Muscle relaxants may help relax stiff, contracted muscles. Botulinunum toxin type A, Botox, relieves muscle spasms and contractions, both common to cerebral palsy.
Step 3
Confer with the pediatric neurologist or pediatric physiatrist (physician who specializes in physical medicine) who is treating your child. With that doctor, evaluate therapy options and enroll your child in appropriate treatments. Three forms of therapy aid kids with CP: physical, occupation and speech. Physical therapy provides training and exercises to assist with flexibility, balance, strength, mobility and motor development. Splints or braces to support muscles may be part of physical therapy. Occupational therapy teaches strategies and suggests adaptive equipment to promote your child's independence at home, in school and in the community. Speech therapists train your child in communication issues including speech, sign language, communication and picture boards.
Step 4
Develop a plan to generate independence in your child. Think through daily activities and ask yourself where your help is required and where your child would benefit from acting without your assistance. With training and encouragement, children with cerebral palsy can learn to do things for themselves. It may be easier and quicker to do things for your child, but resist and let him try on his own.
Step 5
Generate a list of social opportunities for your child. Depending on the severity of your child's CP, children and parents of other children may be unsure of how to interact with your child. Help them to understand how to interact and communicate with your child. Find ways to integrate your child into school, scout or faith groups.
References
- "Handling the Young Child with Cerebral Palsy at Home;" Nancie R. Finnie; 1997
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy Information Page
- Mayo Clinic: Cerebral Palsy
