If you have a child with cerebral palsy (CP), supporting their success is likely a top priority. As a parent or guardian, there are many ways you can help your child. For additional support, you can also seek professional support, with pediatric rehabilitation services, a therapeutic preschool and adolescent rehabilitation services offering many advantages. CP affects everyone differently. Some people experience persistent symptoms such as chronic pain and fatigue; for others, symptoms may be less severe. As a parent, it’s important to understand your child’s particular needs and how you can best support them.
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological conditions. These interconnected symptoms can affect your child’s ability to move. As a result, your child may have a hard time maintaining their balance and posture. Cerebral palsy can also affect coordination and reflexes. CP can be caused by brain injury or developmental complications. If your child has cerebral palsy, early intervention is important. This condition can be effectively managed with the right approach. By helping your child now, you can set them up for lifelong success.
5 ways to support your child living with cerebral palsy
- Find a strong support team — Professional support can be key to treatment. Managing cerebral palsy is often a complex process: It can require the help of physical therapists, speech therapists and other professionals. When you’re looking to get the best support for your child, look for a provider that offers effective, comprehensive treatment. Strong support can have many aspects, from physical rehabilitation to neuropsychological help.
- Encourage physical activity — For children, physical activity is essential for muscle development, building coordination and improving overall health. As a parent, encouraging physical activity can be especially important when your child has cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy exhibit a 30% lower engagement in physical activity compared to their typically developing peers, according to one study. They are also twice as likely to engage in sedentary behavior. Your child may avoid physical activity for many different reasons. They may feel they are unable to keep up with other children, or they may feel like certain activities are too difficult. Symptoms like chronic pain can also be an obstacle. When encouraging physical activity, it’s important to start slow. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be helpful. Try practicing light stretches and other small physical activities with your child. If your child finds a specific activity they enjoy, you can continue encouraging that activity. This may help them stay motivated, confident and consistent. If you’re not sure where to start, working with a physical or occupational therapist can be a great option. A physical therapist can help develop a safe exercise plan tailored to your child’s needs.
- Adapt your environment — Does your child have a hard time navigating your home? If so, adapting the environment to be more comfortable can be important. There are many ways you can adapt your environment to be more accessible. Useful changes might include installing handrails, lifts and adaptive showers. These changes can empower your child to function more easily within your home. Organization can also make a big difference. Clutter can come with tripping hazards and make it harder for your child to move between areas. Try organizing your home with clear, open pathways in mind.
- Use assistive technology — Assistive technology, commonly referred to as AT, can be very helpful. AT refers to devices and digital programs designed to help people with disabilities become more independent. AT can help your child in many different aspects of their life. If your child has difficulties using a standard computer, for example, computer workstation ergonomics may enable easier usage. If your child has a hard time communicating, adaptive computer and communication technology (ACCT) can help. The best assistive technology for your child will depend on their particular needs.
- Advocate for your child — As a parent, you are likely one of your child’s biggest advocates. Advocacy can be key to ensuring that your child gets the support they need in each aspect of their life. Advocating for your child may mean different things in different situations. Advocacy can mean working with your child’s school to ensure that they receive appropriate accommodations. It can also mean seeking the best treatment for your child and working with providers to help your child get the best care. Advocating for your child can enable them to access the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Ability KC can help support your child’s success with cerebral palsy
Your child can benefit from a range of treatment options at Ability KC. Our approach is centered around promoting independence and unleashing the potential of our patients. With comprehensive services including physical therapy and assistive technology, we can help your child manage their condition and work with them toward lasting progress.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We also have a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation and are accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.