Recent Diagnosis

Even after a long diagnosis period where parents had begun to realize the possibility, the finality sinks in as they hear the words they were hoping they wouldn’t, “Your child has Cerebral Palsy.” It’s difficult to hear that their hopes for their child’s health are now altered. They feel relief that their child will finally receive treatment and supports, but sadness for their child’s future unknowns. A myriad of emotions soon give way to one central question, “What does this mean for my child, and for my family?”

A diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy begs more questions that it does answers; severity levels and the numerous ways brain injury can affect a child’s ability to coordinate movement mean that no two cases are identical. A diagnosis could mean mild mobility challenges, or profound physical and developmental symptoms.

Once a child is diagnosed, there’s a protocol of medical appointments and early interventions that should be implemented. Neurologists determine the type of brain injury, and it’s affect on cognition while orthopedic surgeons assess the severity level and degree of impairment. Therapists deploy rehabilitative measures, while gastroenterologists determine oral motor and digestive complications. Speech and language pathologist address communication difficulties. Registered dietitians ascertain feeding regimens. And, parents work closely with their child’s primary care physician to ascertain the child’s future health care needs.

This is the stage of life’s journey for acceptance and starter steps. It feels like climbing a mountain, but at MyChild™, we’re here to help you reach the summit and beyond.