Cerebral Palsy Parenting

Parenting a child with cerebral palsy can be extremely challenging, but it does not have to be a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips that can make parenting a child with this condition that much easier.

Educate yourself about cerebral palsy.

You can obtain quality reliable information through your healthcare providers. Other reliable sources of information include well-known cerebral palsy organizations at both the local and national levels, including United Cerebral Palsy so you can spot cerebral palsy symptoms.

Assemble a team of professionals who can help your child.

It is extremely important that you assemble a team of professionals that can work together to help your son. First and foremost, you should choose a physician wisely as you want someone who is experienced working with cerebral palsy children. You also want to be comfortable with this physician on a personal level, as the physician will more or less lead the team that you are assembling to help your child. As cerebral palsy deals directly with movement, you may find it helpful to include an orthopedic specialist on your team. To cope with making the most of your child's motor abilities, it is important to include a physical therapist, occupational therapist and a speech therapist. To cope with any emotional or behavioral issues that may arise, it may also be a good idea to include a social worker, psychologist and a behavioral therapist on this team as well.

Discover your child's educational rights, and work with educational professionals.

In the United States, the law dictates that physically challenged children should have access to a publicly funded education system. Resources Information Center stated children in mainstream education performed better than those in special education.
For more information regarding the specifics of this law, it is recommended that you contact either your state or local educational department. Besides access to public education, your child should be able to receive early treatment programs at no cost to you. Always remember when you take an active role and work with your child's teachers, your child will more likely receive a quality educational program that will help her achieve full potential.

Understand the importance of tending to the emotional needs of both your child and yourself.

As your child grows, they may get frustrated with their physical limitations. Thus, it is extremely important to provide your child with the proper support that he needs to overcome these challenges. If you do not take care of yourself first, your ability to help your child lessons. Therefore, it is very important that you eat well, exercise regularly, and get the proper amount of sleep. As mentioned, you should also take care of your emotional needs - support groups, meditation, talk therapy and related methods are just some of the ways that you can attend to taking care of your emotional needs.
Remember also that if your child's cerebral palsy might have been caused by medical negligence or malpractice, you could be eligible for financial compensation. A birth injury lawyer can best determine if you qualify for this type of financial compensation. Call the Rasansky Law Firm today at (214) 651-6100 and speak with one of our highly trained Dallas birth injury attorneys.