Health, by its own definition, is the ability to participate – emotionally, intellectually, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually – in life. For individuals with a disability, there are barriers or obstacles that can hinder a person’s ability to function. The key seems to be in addressing barriers that prohibit proper ability to function. To assist, there are treatments, therapies, medications and surgeries, as well as modifications, accommodations, and work-a-rounds. The focus is on discovering ways to improve function. The reward is quality of life and an overpowering sense of wellbeing. How are you able to maintain health? What opportunity are you going to embrace next? What do you need help overcoming?
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Every individual has a need to communicate. Through communication we express our needs, desires, knowledge and welfare. We share our preferences, perceptions and our feelings. We reject, refuse, decline and respond. We offer feedback and exchange information. And, during emergencies we ask for help, or indicate what’s wrong. Many individuals with cerebral palsy have oral motor dysfunction which hinders their ability to communicate. In these instances, the goal is to provide acceptable forms of augmentative and alternative communication – in good working order – that allows the individual to interact and participate with others as full communication partners. What technology do you find most beneficial?
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Devices and Tools for Communicating by admin 06/05/2016 - 16:09 |
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The majority of individuals who have cerebral palsy experience difficulty swallowing and significant gastrointestinal symptoms in part due to impairment in their facial and neck muscles known as oral motor dysfunction. To maintain healthy nutrition levels, treatment focuses on preventing undernourishment while improving oral motor skills. Is your child on a nutrition and diet plan? Have you consulted with a speech and language pathologist or registered dietician? Does your child require a feeding tube? How do you handle lengthy feeding times? What works for your child? What concerns do you have?
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Cooking with a Child with Special Needs by admin 02/17/2016 - 12:02 |
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Fitness and health impact a person’s overall wellbeing. The decision to be fit is a personal choice that can have long-term ramifications. For individuals with cerebral palsy, exercise and fitness may require accommodation, modification, inclusion or therapeutic supports. Participating in organized group activity or maintaining a solitary exercise regimen brings feelings of being fit and the pleasure of recreation. The failure to adhere to a fitness regimen could exacerbate a person’s disability when secondary health conditions develop or premature aging occurs. How do you maintain fitness and health? What type of fitness routine do you find rewarding? Challenging? What are you going to try next?
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Yoga for Children with Special Needs by admin 04/26/2016 - 15:38 |
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Respiratory health depends on the ability to breath properly, cough correctly, swallow appropriately, and digest efficiently which is not always easy if the musculoskeletal system isn’t cooperating. Oral motor dysfunction and digestive difficulties in individuals with cerebral palsy can lead to aspiration, pneumonia, bronchiolitis and respiratory distress that demands immediate and proper management. How do you monitor your child’s respiratory health or prevent infections? Has your experience with respiratory supports, speech therapy, prophylactic antibiotics or gastrostomy intervention been helpful?
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Not all individuals with cerebral palsy experience seizures, but for those that do medications and treatments are sought to limit the frequency and severity. During a seizure, individuals may lose consciousness, convulse or have difficulty breathing. After a seizure they may be exhausted, weak, and emotionally affected. Seizures are random, night and day. What treatments have you tried, and what treatments have you found effective? How do you monitor seizure activity at night? What measures are in place during school?
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Cerebral Palsy and Seizures by admin 06/01/2016 - 08:17 |
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Surgical intervention is not a procedure to be taken lightly, nor is it appropriate for every person in every situation. Surgery can provide comfort, relief from pain, greater ambulation, improved appearance, and higher levels of function when appropriate and successful. It is not unusual for individuals with cerebral palsy to have surgery on their upper extremities (spine, shoulder, arms and wrists) or lower extremities (hips, legs, ankles or feet), depending on treatment goals. Surgery can also improve hearing, supplement digestion and correct vision. What type of surgery did your child, or you, have? Did you experience complications? Would you do it again? If your child is scheduled for surgery, what would you like to ask other parents?
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Treating cerebral palsy is almost as complex as the condition is, and there’s no cookie-cutter approach because each individual is affected differently. Physical impairment can be managed with a wide range of treatments and therapies. Although there is no universal protocol developed for all cases, a person’s form of cerebral palsy, extent of impairment, and severity level help to determine their care. This forum is a sounding board for parents of a child with cerebral palsy and individuals that have cerebral palsy to discuss experiences with – or curiosity about – treatment options. What worked? What didn’t?
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Aqua Therapy by admin 08/22/2016 - 06:32 |
