Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents

By Jayne Rutledge


The birth of a new baby should be a time of joy for families. But every year many people receive the devastating news that their child has a disability. This is never welcome news and for many it is simply devastating. They do not know what to do or which way to turn. Looking around for their local Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents is a perfect first step to take and has been the lifeline for countless thousands of families over the years.

As soon as a baby is born the medical staff begin to check for any signs of difficulties or problems. They score the child's condition on the Apgar Scale, which checks for such things as reflexes and muscle tone. If there are any abnormalities these can be a sign of a cognitive condition and should be investigated immediately.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial as services should begin as soon as possible. Most children will qualify for the full range of services such as speech, physical and occupational therapy, plus any necessary medical treatment. These services can really make a huge difference in their future and help them prepare for school.

The benefits for parents of joining a local group is immense. They quickly realize that they are not alone and that others are there to help them. Just having an understanding shoulder to cry on can make all the difference between coping and not coping. Many thousands of families have said that the people they have met in the group have become some of their best friends. They share the struggles and achievements of their children and draw great strength from this.

The first few days and weeks are usually the hardest time for the new family. They must adjust to the new reality of having a special needs child and all that entails. Networking with others in the same situation is one of the most important things they can do. Not only will they receive much needed emotional support, they will also get practical help to enable them to cope with the day to day struggles and challenges.

Other parents can always offer practical help and suggestions. Everything from vaccinations, to potty training and educational programs can be addressed and the respondents will give a host of ideas. The family can then pursue whichever solutions they feel are most practical to their particular situation.

Once they start to develop a routine things typically get better. The parent will realize that things are not as bleak as they may have appeared at first. Their baby will begin to smile and laugh just like every other child. This will make all their hard work worth while and give their battered spirits a huge boost.

Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents are a wonderful way to meet other families. The more experienced parents can give valuable advice and answer questions. Having someone to turn to for help is invaluable, especially in the early days.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment