mercredi 12 février 2014

Joining Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents

By Jayne Rutledge


Having a child with a disability can make life much more challenging for any parent. They are thrown into a world they knew nothing about and will have to find their way around. Being able to ask for help is an important skill that many will need to learn for the first time in their lives. Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents have branches all over the country and offer a wide range of services for those families who so desperately need their help.

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.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial as services should begin as soon as possible. Most children will qualify for the full range of services such as speech, physical and occupational therapy, plus any necessary medical treatment. These services can really make a huge difference in their future and help them prepare for school.

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.

Getting through the first months with the new baby are some of the most challenging. The family often have a very difficult time adjusting to the extensive needs the baby and fitting this in with the needs of the rest of their children. They may feel guilty that they do not have enough time to spend with the family as they struggle with constant medical appointments or therapy sessions.

As the child gets a little older things often get better as the family settle down into a routine and make the adjustment to their new life. They realise that things are really not as bad as they may first have thought. In fact, many people find that their special needs child brings an amazing new level of compassion into their lives.

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.

Being part of Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents has a multitude of advantages. As a new parent it can be the lifeline they need to keep them going through the first few stressful months. As a veteran parent they can pass on their skills and knowledge to others and help to make their lives easier.




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