Children's Health

Family members working together with doctors can use home treatment to provide the best possible care for a child with cerebral palsy (CP).

Education and support for parents and family members

• Learn about the condition. It is common to have a fear of the unknown. Learn about the condition so you are best able to help your child. Local or national cerebral palsy organizations can help, especially in dealing with the impact of daily emotional and lifestyle issues. Talk with your doctor or call your local hospital for suggestions. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
• Learn about your child's educational rights. Laws in the United States give children with special needs access to free public school services and some free treatments. These educational rights also include protection of the parents' rights to be fully informed about or disagree with educational decisions concerning their child. Contact your state and local education departments for specific information about these accommodations. Also, vocational training may benefit some teens and young adults.
• Work with teachers and school officials. Work with your child's teachers, school administrators, special learning consultants, and school boards to develop the best educational plan for your child. A cooperative team approach helps your child realize his or her potential.
• Provide emotional support. The needs of a child with CP change over time. As children grow and become more aware of their physical limitations, they need to be able to talk about their feelings and how they are treated. It is sometimes easier for them to talk with someone who is not a family member. Ask your doctor about whether emotional counseling would benefit your child. Also, include your child when making decisions about his or her health care.
• Take care of yourself. Get proper rest, eat well, exercise, and learn ways to cope with the challenges of raising a child with CP. You will be better equipped to help your child when you have physical energy and emotional strength.
• Help each other. The entire family is affected when one member has CP. Helping family members cope with this situation is important, especially for siblings. You can help prevent other children from having unrealistic fears and concerns, feeling left out, or becoming overwhelmed.

Helping with daily routines

Each person with CP has unique strengths and areas of difficulty. But most people with CP need ongoing help with:

• Feeding and eating. Cerebral palsy can affect jaw control and interfere with the ability to chew, suck, and swallow. Special utensils, such as plates that stick to a surface; properly positioning your child at meals; and serving soft or semi-solid foods, such as oatmeal, may be helpful.
• Using the toilet. Some people with cerebral palsy have stiff hip joints or similar problems that make using a toilet difficult. Others do not have dependable bladder control. Special undergarments and training by an occupational therapist are common ways to help treat this condition.
• Bowel elimination. People with CP often become constipated, making stools difficult to pass. Stool softeners and mild laxatives are frequently used for this problem. For information about preventing and treating constipation, see the topics Constipation, Age 11 and Younger or Constipation, Age 12 and Older.
• Bathing and grooming. People with cerebral palsy who do not have control of their hands or arms usually are unable to groom themselves. Others can be taught some level of self-grooming through regular practice.
• Dressing. Provide clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off, such as those that zip or button in the front (not the back) or that have large buttons, ties, or Velcro fasteners.
• Dental care. Cerebral palsy can affect the jaw muscles, make teeth improperly positioned and prone to decay, and cause sensitivity in the mouth and tongue. Also, many people with CP find it difficult to use a toothbrush. You can help your child by providing special equipment, such as a mechanized teeth-cleaning water spray or electric toothbrush; buying toothpaste for sensitive gums; and making sure he or she has regular dental cleanings.
• Skin care. Drooling is common in people with CP, which can cause skin irritation around the chin, mouth, and chest. You can help prevent skin irritations and protect your child's skin by blotting rather than wiping drool, using absorbent cloths to cover the chest, and applying lotions or corn starch to areas that are prone to irritation.
• Speaking. Some people with CP have problems with the muscles in their jaws and mouth as well as hearing loss. These problems, alone or in combination, can make it difficult to form words. Try to speak slowly, look directly at your child, and use pictures or objects as you talk. Also, read with your child a lot, and use picture books to help your child express himself or herself.
• Keeping active. Your child needs to move his or her limbs to help keep muscles strong and joints flexible. Have him or her move and play as much as possible. Involve other family members too. Ask the doctor, physical therapist, or other parents for ideas.
• Safety. People with CP are prone to falls and other accidents, especially if they are affected by seizures. You can take general safety measures at home-such as having heavy, sturdy furniture or not polishing floors-to help your child avoid accidents. Also, use common sense and care around sharp objects. And never leave a person who has CP alone while he or she is bathing.

Preparing for independence