1. Collect Recommendations From Medical Professionals
Initial diagnoses of cerebral palsy are always made by a medical specialist with privileged access to local resources. The child's doctor should always be the first source of information on both the types of therapy required and the local, qualified professionals who can provide it. It is common for people affected by serious chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy to consult multiple specialists to collect several opinions on the future course of treatment. With multiple opinions come multiple recommendations, which parents can then evaluate with the help of local CP resource networks to choose the best path for their children.
2. Talk to Parents of Other Children With Cerebral Palsy
Participation in support groups for parents of children with CP isn't just an excellent outlet for the emotions and frustrations that come with raising a special-needs child. It also provides fertile ground for collecting opinions on local therapists. Word of mouth is a valuable tool when it comes to choosing the right therapist to address a particular need, and it's a good idea to seek out parents of children with similar cases of CP to gather recommendations.
3. Choose the Types of Therapy
No two cases of cerebral palsy are exactly alike, and once the specific challenges a particular child is expected to face have been identified, parents can choose the areas of therapy on which to focus. While some children with CP develop relatively clear communication skills, others cannot communicate verbally at all. In the latter case, a speech and language therapist will play a central role in the child's therapy.Physical therapists and occupational therapists are also commonly assigned to help children with cerebral palsy develop a fuller range of motion and gain more independence. As with speech and language therapy, the prominence of these professionals in the child's treatment regimen will depend on the severity of the child's symptoms.
4. Pay Attention to How the Child Responds
Ultimately, it will be the child who chooses the therapist. Some children simply do not respond to certain educational techniques and therapy practices, and it is not uncommon for CP patients to develop aversions to therapists who insist on using unpopular techniques. Parents should remain flexible and try someone else if a particular therapist is having difficulty connecting with the patient.
