Posted: August 18, 2015
As you likely know, Cerebral Palsy is a condition that impacts people in a wide variety of ways. As a result, CP is often accompanied by a wide variety of misconceptions and, regrettably, a lack of awareness from the public. Just as much as CP can be caused by a number of sources, so too can Cerebral Palsy symptoms differ from child to child. Ultimately, our goal is to be a resource providing clarity for parents and the public alike.
First, the most basic: there are no universal Cerebral Palsy symptoms beyond a common factor, which is a neurological or brain injury. After that, there are fewer wide-reaching commonalities for this condition. Instead, Cerebral Palsy creates a community of special needs individuals that all have faced challenges, in some form, since birth and that are seeking effective solutions.
So what can you consider to be Cerebral Palsy symptoms? In short: anything tied to an initial brain or neurological injury that creates limitations. Cerebral Palsy symptoms in one person may involve a limp, turned hand, issues with motor control or reliance on adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs.. For others, there can be intellectual limits, ranging from missed milestones and general limits in ability to requiring full-time home care. Each of these Cerebral Palsy symptoms can fit on a spectrum just as equally as how people can run faster or slower than each other; there is no surefire way of knowing how Cerebral Palsy will impact a person.
Because of this truth that Cerebral Palsy symptoms can come in different forms, it is crucial for early intervention efforts to address the now, as well as the future. Whether that is physical therapy-based or can also include nutritional decisions, educational efforts (like IEPs), etc., it is important for Cerebral Palsy to be considered an ongoing factor for consideration (and reconsideration). A child’s Cerebral Palsy symptoms at eight years of age can greatly differ from how it impacts him or her at age forty-eight.
So how do you address the future when it comes to your child’s Cerebral Palsy symptoms? First, keep an up-to-date copy of your child’s medical records when you can. Doing so can allow you to effectively navigate different medical specialists, as well as inform organizations looking to help with your child’s unique situation. Having easy access to a baseline of activity and function is incredibly effective for medical professionals looking to best understand your child’s Cerebral Palsy symptoms. Next, learn the terminology. Read up on all of the different terms to best follow your doctor’s suggestions, as well as understand what different medical professionals think of your child’s future. Finally, be mindful and proactive on different Cerebral Palsy symptoms as they arise or increase in severity. Just as early intervention can make a big difference in helping your child reach their full potential, recognizing new/increased forms of your child’s Cerebral Palsy can help you in pursuing different treatment options.
Have questions about different Cerebral Palsy symptoms or would like information on treatments, therapies, support organizations, etc.? Contact us today! Fill out our contact form or call us at (800) 692-4453
(800) 692-4453 FREE so that we can connect you with a wide assortment of assistance options available to help your child and family reach new heights in the face of Cerebral Palsy.
