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There are an ever growing number of methods of treatment for the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy and research is being done to find more. The effects of Cerebral Palsy can be lessened by a combination of methods which can include medication, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, orthopaedic surgery, mechanical aids and operations.

Obviously, the earlier a child can start any of these treatments, the better. Parents and carers need to work closely on formulating a plan for managing the child's Cerebral Palsy with various professionals. This is the time when it is important for anyone involved in the child's life to get involved in the decision making.

Parents and carers may also be a little bewildered by all the titles that the members of a care team have. Here is a list of the most common medical professionals who are likely to be a part of a child's support network, to help clarify their areas of expertise:

- A paediatrician (a doctor that deals specifically with children) ' they act as team leader and co-ordinator as they collect and analyse the information they get from other specialists.

- A physical therapist ' they will work with you and your child to create unique exercise programmes aimed at your child's level of Cerebral Palsy to help improve their movement and strength

- An occupational therapist ' they provide ideas to help your child learn basic life skills

- A social worker ' they are available to help you obtain any community assistance, education, and training programs that are suitable for your child. The options available very greatly from one area to another so they are a great resource for wading thru the red tape!

- A speech therapist ' they are responsible for diagnosing and often treating any communication problems your child may have due to their Cerebral Palsy. They will also often assist with feeding and drinking problems.

- A psychologist ' they are going to be able to help you and your child deal with any behavioural problems caused by Cerebral Palsy. They are also there for you and the rest of your family to help work thru the stresses of dealing with a child diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

- An orthopaedic surgeon ' in some cases of Cerebral Palsy, surgery may be necessary. The orthopaedic surgeon will help to analyse the possible benefits of surgery on your child's muscle and bone development.

It is important to know about living with cerebral palsy

When living with cerebral palsy in the family, one must realize that every child is unique, whether they have Cerebral Palsy or not.

It is also true to say that every case of Cerebral Palsy is also different from another. No one can precisely predict how Cerebral Palsy will affect the everyday life of the afflicted child.

Cerebral Palsy can impact on a child's physical development, brain functions and sight and hearing. The degree to how each of these affects their everyday life is heavily dependant on the level of Cerebral Palsy the child has and the success of treatments they undergo.

We have spoken about the problems that a child will experience because of their Cerebral Palsy, but what about the effects of living with cerebral palsy on the everyday lives of those around them? This is probably the most underrated issue about children with Cerebral Palsy ' how it affects those close to the child, especially the parents and other members of the family.

One thing that often occurs in families when a new baby arrives, regardless of whether the baby has Cerebral Palsy or not, is that the older child(ren) can feel neglected. It can be harder with a child having Cerebral Palsy it is important that your other child(ren) still receive the attention they need from you because they have a higher risk of developing behavioural and emotional problems.

ALL parents and carers go through a wide range of feelings after the birth of any child. They are more likely to have deeper and more heart-felt negative feelings because the child has Cerebral Palsy.

There is a theory about the different stages of feelings that people go through upon hearing that a child has Cerebral Palsy. These include:

- Shock and Denial- Anger and Grief- Acceptance- Guild

It is important that people deal with these feelings in a constructive manner and find someone to help work through them with.