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Family members working together with health professionals can use home treatment to provide the best possible care for a baby or young child with cerebral palsy (CP).

Education and support for parents and family members

* Learn about the condition. Often the biggest problem for parents is fear of the unknown. Learn about the condition so you are best able to help your child. You may find local or national cerebral palsy organizations helpful, especially in dealing with the impact of daily emotional and lifestyle issues. Talk with your health professional or call your local hospital for suggestions. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.

* Learn about your child's educational rights. Educational rights for disabled children are mandated by law in the United States. These laws include free early treatment programs, equal access to public education, and protection of the parents' rights to be fully informed about or disagree with educational decisions concerning their child. Contact your state and local education departments for specific information about these accommodations. In addition, vocational training may benefit some teens and young adults.

* Work with teachers and school officials. Work 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.

* Provide emotional support. The needs of a child with CP 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 health professional about whether emotional counseling would benefit your child. In addition, include your child when making decisions about his or her health care.

* Take care of yourself. Get proper rest, eat well, exercise, and learn 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.

* Help each other. 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 developing unrealistic fears and concerns, feeling left out, or becoming overwhelmed.

Helping with daily routines

Each person with CP has unique strengths and areas of difficulty. However, most people with CP need ongoing help with:

* Feeding and eating. Cerebral palsy can affect jaw control and interfere with the ability to chew, suck, and swallow. Special utensils, such as plates that stick to a surface; properly positioning your child at meals; and serving soft or semi-solid foods, such as oatmeal, may be helpful.

* Using the toilet. Some people with cerebral palsy have stiff hip joints or similar problems that make using a toilet difficult. Others do not have dependable bladder control. Training from an occupational therapist and special undergarments are common ways to help treat this condition.

* Bowel elimination. People with CP often become constipated, making stools difficult to pass. Stool softeners and mild laxatives are frequently used for this problem. For information about preventing and treating constipation, see the topics Constipation, Age 11 and Younger, or Constipation, Age 12 and Older.

* Bathing and grooming. People with cerebral palsy who do not have control of their hands or arms usually are unable to groom themselves. Others can be taught some level of self-grooming through regular practice.

* Dressing. Provide clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off, such as those with zippers or Velcro.

* Dental care. Cerebral palsy can affect the jaw muscles, make teeth improperly positioned and prone to decay, and cause sensitivity in the mouth and tongue. Also, many people with CP find it difficult to use a toothbrush. You can help your child by providing special equipment, such as a mechanized teeth-cleaning water spray or electric toothbrush; buying toothpaste for sensitive gums; and making sure he or she has regular dental cleanings.

* Skin care. Drooling is common in people with CP, which can cause skin irritation around the chin, mouth, and chest. You can help prevent skin irritations and protect your child's skin by blotting rather than wiping drool, using absorbant cloths to cover the chest, and applying lotions or corn starch to areas that are prone to irritation.

* Speaking. Some people with CP have problems with the muscles in their jaws and mouth as well as hearing loss. These problems, alone or in combination, can make it difficult to form words. You can foster better communicate by speaking slowly, looking directly at your child during conversations, and using pictures or objects as you talk. Reading to your child is also important; using books with bright pictures may be most effective.

* Safety. People with CP are prone to falls and other accidents, especially if they are affected by seizures. You can take general safety measures at home, such as having heavy, sturdy furniture or not polishing floors to help your child avoid accidents. Also, use common sense and care around sharp objects, and never leave a person with CP alone while he or she is bathing.

Preparing for independence

Parents and other caregivers can help children with CP develop to their highest potential. One of the most important things is to help them learn to do as much for themselves as they can. A recent study found that most adults with CP (84%) feel that their parents overprotected them as children. 4

Teenage years

As your child approaches the teenage years and young adulthood, be aware of his or her changing needs.

* Teens and adults with CP need emotional support and understanding. Family members and other supportive friends and family can help them deal with the daily challenges of having CP.

* Gradually prepare your child with CP for independent living. Usually teens have learned to use their talents and strengths. However, they may need extra help and encouragement to prepare for additional expectations and responsibilities.

* Teens and young adults with CP may also need more guidance than other people their age in developing intimate relationships.

Parents must also recognize that they will need to change their own routines as their child with CP grows and develops. For example, parents may not be able to continue caring for a severely affected child who is growing tall and heavy. Parents also need to plan ahead for the time when their grown child with CP is not under their care. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.

Adulthood

Of all children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, 90% live to adulthood (beyond 20 years old). 3 Preparing your child for adulthood takes careful planning. It also requires patience and resourcefulness on your part; do not abandon your efforts because of frustrating setbacks or obstacles.

* Encourage independent living skills. A time may come when you or other family members can no longer assist your child with CP at the accustomed level.

* Complications of cerebral palsy may develop and affect quality of life; in addition, some forms of CP are more severe and require special assistance. For these reasons, planning for an adult's current and future health care needs is important.

* Occupational therapy and similar programs may be helpful. Most adults with CP are employed, despite moderate to severe physical disability. In the United States, laws protect the rights of disabled people to find and hold employment (among other rights). Learn about the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. For more information about the ADA, see the Other Places to Get Help section.

* Older adults with CP may need extra help preparing for retirement.