Saturday, February 8, 2014

Joining Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents

By Jayne Rutledge


Families who find themselves in the difficult position of having a child with special needs should utilize all the help they can get. This situation comes as a complete shock to most people. They go to the hospital expecting to leave with a normal, healthy baby, but instead find their lives have taken a completely different course. Finding local Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents is a huge part of the coping process.

As soon as a baby is born the medical staff begin to check for any signs of difficulties or problems. They score the child's condition on the Apgar Scale, which checks for such things as reflexes and muscle tone. If there are any abnormalities these can be a sign of a cognitive condition and should be investigated immediately.

In most cases a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy can be made fairly quickly. This condition affects many new born babies each year and is caused by brain trauma. This trauma can occur before birth, for example in the case of twins, triplets or other multiple births. It may also happen during the birth process especially if the birth is prolonged and difficult. Whatever the cause the symptoms can range from very severe to mild and each case is different.

Knowing that they are not alone is crucial to getting through. The early days are typically the most difficult. It is very important that the family look around for a support group in their area or even on line. With the spread of the internet there are some excellent internet based groups. These are perfect for those who live in remote locations or even those who have difficulty getting out.

Having several young children makes life stressful in itself. If one of those has a condition like Cerebral Palsy then the family will experience even more challenges. This can be made a little easier by getting help from others who have already been through it. Joining an on line group is a great way to ask questions and get ideas.

Other parents can always offer practical help and suggestions. Everything from vaccinations, to potty training and educational programs can be addressed and the respondents will give a host of ideas. The family can then pursue whichever solutions they feel are most practical to their particular situation.

School choices are always a difficult step. Some people favor special schools that are geared up to the needs of children with disabilities, whilst others feel very strongly that their child should attend a regular education school and learn to fit in with typically developing children. There is no one right answer and much depends on the ability of the individual child.

Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents are a wonderful way to meet other families. The more experienced parents can give valuable advice and answer questions. Having someone to turn to for help is invaluable, especially in the early days.




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