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Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents

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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.

The first few days and weeks are usually the hardest time for the new family. They must adjust to the new reality of having a special needs child and all that entails. Networking with others in the same situation is one of the most important things they can do. Not only will they receive much needed emotional support, they will also get practical help to enable them to cope with the day to day struggles and challenges.

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.

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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