Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for describing a group of chronic disorders that impair a person's ability to control body movement and posture. These disorders result from injury to the motor areas of the brain. Cerebral palsy affects two to six infants out of every 1,000 births, and is the most common disability among children in the U.S. The problem causing cerebral palsy may occur while the infant is still in the womb or after birth, and the problem is not always detectable during a child's first year of life. Children with mild cerebral palsy may only have a minor limp or an uncoordinated walk, while patients with severe cases will require care and supervision throughout their lives. Many of the infants born with cerebral palsy also experience some degree of mental retardation and/or have seizures.
The more you know about cerebral palsy, the more tools you will have to help your child. Read about cerebral palsy in other sections of this web site. Ask your child’s doctor about resources available from his or her office and on the internet. Many non-profit organizations offer information on cerebral palsy; keep up-to-date with current research.
Build a support system. Seek out local groups and parent network organizations for families of children with disabilities. Ask your doctor or specialist for referrals. Join an online chat group for parents of children with cerebral palsy.
Take care of yourself. You can’t help your child if you are burned out. Make plans to do things you enjoy, such as taking time out to have a night out with friends or family. Planning ahead so that the situation at home is safe for your child prior to going out makes this possible and more beneficial. It is so important to “recharge the batteries.”
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