Children and young adults with cerebral palsy often struggle with self-care, mobility, communication, and social skills. They also experience challenges related to learning, memory, attention, and executive functioning.

If you’ve got a child who has cerebral palsy, then you already know how challenging it can be. But even though you may feel overwhelmed, there are many resources available to help. We’ll look at how charities like InFocus can help your child live their best life.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes problems with muscle tone and movement. It affects the brain, which controls muscles and organs in your body. Cerebral palsy can cause a range of issues, including:

• Uncontrolled movements
• Limb stiffness or contractures (tightness of joints)
• Weakness or paralysis of one side of the body
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Difficulty walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs, etc.

How does cerebral palsy affect everyday life?

As CP is a physical disability, it can often affect a child/adult’s quality of life. They may have trouble controlling their movements, such as sitting up, standing, walking or even talking. 

This makes it hard for them to do things like eat, sleep, play, learn and communicate. It can also impact their daily life, including school, work, leisure activities and social skills.

Some people with cerebral palsy have stiff muscles, especially in their arms and legs. Other people have weak muscles. These problems make it harder for them to move.

Balance is another problem. Children and adults with cerebral palsy may have poor balance and coordination. This can cause falls and injuries. It also affects how they walk.

People with cerebral palsy usually need help from others to get around. For example, they might use a wheelchair, crutches, braces or other devices. Some children and young adults with cerebral palsy are able to walk on their own. Others need someone to push them in a wheelchair or hold onto them while they walk.

Support strategies for children with cerebral palsy

As a lifelong condition, cerebral palsy has many different effects on a person’s life. The following sections will explain some of these effects and provide information about support strategies.

Communication

Children and young adults with cerebral palsy are more likely than most people to be unable to speak clearly. They may have difficulty making themselves understood by others. This can mean that they find it difficult to express what they want or need. They may not understand instructions, directions or warnings.

Children and young adults with cerebral palsy who cannot talk may still be able to listen and respond to questions. However, they may struggle to follow conversations.

They may also have difficulties understanding written material. They may not be able to read, write or spell well enough to complete tasks at school or home.

For this reason, it is important that children and young adults with CP receive appropriate communication training. This includes teaching them to communicate effectively when they are alone or with friends and family. It is also important that they are taught to ask for help if they need it.

School

Many children and young adults with cerebral palsy attend special schools. These include specialist schools for children with disabilities and specific needs, such as the InFocus College. Special schools offer education tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Specialist schools teach students with cerebral palsy all aspects of learning. They focus on helping children develop academic skills, personal independence and social skills. Students with cerebral palsy may be taught in mainstream classes alongside other pupils. Or they may be taught separately in a separate classroom.

Special schools offer education programmes designed specifically for children with cerebral palsy. They teach children with cerebral palsy how to cope with everyday situations and develop new ways of communicating.

The staff in special schools know all about cerebral palsy and its effects. They can give advice and support to parents and carers. They can also help children and young adults with the practicalities of living with cerebral palsy.

Parents

Parents play an important role in supporting children and young adults with a disability. Parents can often feel anxious about caring for their child or young adult with cerebral palsy. 

Being involved in your child’s or life helps you to understand them better. You can learn about their likes and dislikes, habits and routines, allowing you to plan activities together.

You can also make sure that your child or young adult receives adequate medical treatment and physical therapy. If necessary, you can arrange for regular appointments with doctors and about the physical changes caused by cerebral palsy.

Carers

A person who cares for someone else is called a caregiver. Carers provide emotional support and help with daily tasks. They may take over some responsibilities from the disabled person. For example, they might cook meals, transport your child to therapy appointments or help with homework.

If you are looking after a child or young adult with a disability yourself, you may find it difficult to balance work and family commitments. Because of this, a carer can ensure that your child gets the right amount of attention and care.

Therapists

Children and young adults with cerebral palsy will usually see therapists once a week. Therapists assess how well your child or young adult with CP is coping, and what more could be done to improve their condition. 

At InFocus, we can provide physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.

These professionals can help your child or young adult to:

• Improve movement patterns
• Teach your child or young adult how to use muscles correctly
• Help him/her to control movements
• Improve speech and communication (see speech and language therapy)
• Develop strategies to deal with problems at home and school

How InFocus can help

InFocus offers a range of services which can help you manage your child’s disability. We work closely with families and professionals to ensure we deliver the right service to suit your needs.

We can:

• Provide a wide range of support services
• Help you access funding for equipment and therapies
• Offer advice on managing your child’s health and wellbeing
• Support you to make decisions about your child’s future
• Provide supported living accommodation for your child

Our team will always try their best to provide the right service for you and your child. If you would like any further information about our services, please contact us.