Children's Health

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Behavioral therapy, in which a counselor helps a child learn better ways to communicate, may be a part of ongoing treatment. It is most often used to help school-age children with CP learn better ways to interact with others, especially their peers.

Working with others involved with your child's care, understanding your child's needs and rights, and taking care of yourself and other family members are all important parts of ongoing treatment for people with cerebral palsy. These strategies include:

• Researching and understanding your child's educational rights. In the United States, children with special needs can get free public school services and some free treatments. You have the right to be fully informed about educational decisions concerning your child. Contact your state and local education departments for detailed information about these accommodations. Also, vocational training can help some teens and young adults.
• Working 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.
• Supporting your child emotionally. Your child's needs will 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 might benefit your child. Also, involve your child as much as possible when making decisions about his or her health care.
• Getting proper rest, eating well, exercising, and learning 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.
• Working together as a family. 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.

Most children with cerebral palsy live to adulthood and have a somewhat shorter than normal life span. But a lot depends on the type of CP and how it affects your child's health.

Many adults get jobs if they have good support from their family and community. You can enroll your teen in occupational therapy as part of a gradual preparation for independent living. Helping your child be independent requires patience and resourcefulness on your part. Expect some frustrating setbacks or obstacles. Your child may need extra help and encouragement to prepare for added expectations and responsibilities.

Treatment if the condition gets worse

Although the brain injury that causes cerebral palsy (CP) does not get worse over time, some of its effects can appear for the first time, change, or become more severe as a child's nervous system grows and develops.