Cerebral palsy is the most common form of physical disability in children. Kids with this disease have difficulty moving. They find it hard to move limbs. The most common signs include tightness or stiffness in a child’s arms or legs, but it can affect all body parts.
The condition is not usually inherited. Many causes lead to cerebral palsy in children, such as brain damage due to oxygen deprivation during pregnancy or other birth complications during delivery. Cerebral palsy has no cure, but physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may help improve a child’s ability to move around and speak.
Here are 11 tips for caring for a child with cerebral palsy:
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy should begin as soon as it is clear that the child suffers from cerebral palsy. A therapist will develop an individualized program based on your child’s specific needs. A variety of exercises that target muscle weakness can be helpful.
Physiotherapists use several techniques to help children with cerebral palsy reach their full potential. They will teach you how to perform a series of exercises at home, including stretches, massage, and strengthening the pelvic floor. Your child might benefit from splinting (binding), where the joints have extra support to make them easier to move. You can also get advice on equipment and braces to help with mobility, such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and stairlifts. A detailed cerebral palsy guide by a good physiotherapist can provide information about different types of physiotherapy treatments. So, it is good to opt for a guide.
2. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists focus on helping your child participate more fully in daily life. They work with your child to develop skills that allow them to complete tasks independently, such as eating, dressing, and brushing teeth. This may involve teaching you what types of tools and adaptive devices best suit your child’s situation. For example, a child who struggles with fine motor skills might find it difficult to hold a pen correctly.
3. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy assesses and treats communication disorders. It focuses on improving speech, language, and comprehension skills. In severe cases, they may recommend surgery to repair damaged nerves.
4. Dental Care
Special dental care is needed for children with cerebral palsy. Their teeth might be malformed, crooked, or missing altogether; their jaw might be misaligned, or the tongue might stick out of the mouth when they speak. Children who cannot eat normally need special feeding tubes. If your child’s cerebral palsy prevents them from brushing teeth properly, you can opt for the dentist to do the job.
5. Diet & Nutrition
Your child must get enough energy-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, fish, nuts, and beans. Cerebral palsy makes it harder for the child to chew food, so giving them soft and mashed foods is recommended. Your child’s doctor or dietitian can advise you on healthy meals that meet your child’s nutritional requirements.
6. Medication
Drugs such as corticosteroids can relieve symptoms of cerebral palsy, but long-term use can lead to other health problems. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent seizures. Anticonvulsants, however, do not always stop seizures completely and can have side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
7. Home Care
Simple changes to your home and furniture can help your child manage day-to-day activities more easily. For example, adding ramps to your stairs will make it easier for your child to get upstairs. You can also install grab bars in your bathroom and shower to make it easier to get up and down. Raised toilet seats and nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower can help prevent falls.
8. Special Needs Schools
Children with cerebral palsy often need specialized one-on-one education programs. These will help them study and learn new things. In some cases, children with mild cerebral palsy cases can attend regular schools; others may require specially designed classrooms. Parents should talk to their child’s school and local education authority to explore the options available in their area.
09. Assistive Technology
Assistive technology helps children perform everyday tasks more easily. The following items can be particularly useful for people with cerebral palsy:
- Communication boards can help your child express themselves through pictures and symbols.
- Headphones/earpieces: Some children struggle with speaking aloud, so these devices can help them communicate effectively.
- Computer software: Software that reads text aloud may help children read.
10. Equipment
Various equipment can help a child with cerebral palsy complete daily activities. Items like walkers, canes, adjustable beds, and wheelchairs can help your child move around safely. You might also want to think about getting a stairlift, making it much safer to go up and downstairs.
11. Get help
Your affected child may be eligible for government benefits if they qualify. Moreover, they might also be eligible for disability allowance, which the government offers to children suffering from a disability. The allowance varies as per the condition of the child. It is advised to get all the help you can to raise your child adequately. Raising a child suffering from cerebral palsy or any kind of disease is a difficult task and hectic task; it not only takes away parents’ time but costs them a lot of money as well. So, it is pertinent to get help in any form, whether monetary or moral; it will help you pay more attention to your child.
Final Words
In addition to these measures, there are several ways you can support a child with cerebral palsy. You must encourage your child to exercise regularly to build strength and maintain flexibility. Getting your child involved in sports and games can help to boost confidence and social skills.
You can also help your child learn to cope with everyday challenges by encouraging independence and problem-solving. Show your child that you believe in them, and don’t be afraid to praise achievements.
Remember that while cerebral palsy can limit your child’s movements, it doesn’t mean your child can’t enjoy a fulfilling life. With the right treatment and support, your child can thrive.