Receiving a cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis for your child can be confusing, and you may wonder what next step to take. You must look at everything that will make them enjoy a quality life. Be their strongest supporter and advocate regarding medication and psychological support.
As a parent, it’s important to be a consistent and powerful voice for their needs. Also, consider the legal aspects tied to any act of negligence that resulted in the condition. Here are five essential steps to take when your child has CP:
- Seek Medical Help Right Away
Early intervention can enormously impact your child’s development and overall growth. Guidance from specialists such as pediatric therapists and neurologists will help develop the best medical plan for the child. They will give you specific lifestyle changes for the child’s well-being.
In some instances, cerebral palsy can occur through medical malpractice during birth. In case that is your scenario, it is worth inquiring about your claim options. Compensation received from a cerebral palsy medical malpractice claim may be able cover medical bills, therapy, and supportive aids. Having a birth case specialist review your case can make it easier to know whether malpractice happened and whether a claim can be pursued.
- Build a Strong Support Network
Contact with family, friends, and support groups can emotionally and practically assist a family during an experience with cerebral palsy. Online and local groups specifically addressing cerebral palsy can also provide helpful information and advice from parents who have dealt with similar situations.
Support networks can even provide advocacy, education, and access solutions. Having a pool of professionals, teachers, and fellow parents to draw on makes life with a child with cerebral palsy much easier.
- Create an Individualized Care Plan
Each child with cerebral palsy is unique with individual needs, and thus, it’s important to collaborate with your child’s healthcare provider to develop an individualized care plan with achievable goals. This includes a daily routine incorporating therapy, medical care, and daily activities. Your child’s progress can be monitored through medical records and diaries to follow growth and identify any arising challenges.
In addition to medical care, have an educational plan about your child’s capabilities. Most children with cerebral palsy thrive in an integrated school with individual accommodations, such as individualized educational programs (IEPs)
- Explore Assistive Devices and Therapy Options
Technology and medical advances have helped make independence for a child with cerebral palsy a reality through assistive technology. Wheelchairs, braces, aids for communicating, and simple to use utensils can enable your child to become independent and enjoy communicating with the environment.
Along with conventional therapies, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy, several new developing therapies can also be included. There are a few, including aquatic therapy, hippotherapy (riding a horse for therapy), and sensory integration therapy, that can have additional positive effects and make them enjoy even more.
- Plan for the Future
Consider financial planning, including medical, therapy, and educational expenses. Government programs, trust for a child with a disability, and life insurance policies can mitigate some of these financial outlays and secure your ongoing care for your child.
As your child matures, transition them towards becoming an adult. Check whether supported living, work training, or additional medical interventions will be needed. Having a proper transition in place can make the transition easier and enable them to have as much independence as possible.
Endnote
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy may be scary, but with due planning, your child can lead a happy, successful life. You can handle whatever life brings by seeking early medical intervention, exploring therapy, and having a good support group. Remember, every child’s journey will be different, and progress will not always be overnight.
