Healthcare Professionals For The Child With Cerebral Palsy

A number of healthcare professionals can be involved with the child with cerebral palsy and their families. Depending on the child’s needs, some children will get different levels of usefulness from these professionals who will be helpful at various stages of the child’s development.

Of course the parents are the most important people of all as they know most about their child with cerebral palsy. In day to day family life parents will incorporate many of the suggestions made by therapists and teachers into the daily routine.

A child with cerebral palsy has the same health problems as other children of a similar age. The family pediatrician is best qualified to help with these problems. Pediatricians can provide advice regarding the special health problems that occur in a child with cerebral palsy, such as epilepsy. The pediatrician works closely with all the people who are involved in helping children with cerebral palsy, and can make referrals to other specialists as necessary. General practitioners may also know the whole family and be able to provide care, support and encouragement.

Therapists assisting a child with cerebral palsy may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Not every child needs to have assistance from all of these people. However, they often work together in planning or providing treatment. These therapists can teach parents how best to help their child learn to move and acquire all the practical skills needed for living.

The physiotherapist advises parents on ways to encourage a child with cerebral palsy to move, and to develop skills such as sitting, crawling and walking. Practical advice on ways to lift and carry children, and on positioning children for play and eating, can also be given. The physiotherapist may also give advice on the correct shoes, splints to improve children’s foot posture and gait, and equipment such as supportive chairs and standing and walking frames.

The occupational therapist specializes in hand skills and activities of daily living, and advises about play and appropriate toys for a child with cerebral palsy. They also suggest easier ways of bathing, feeding, dressing and toileting. Occupational therapists help children become more independent in these self-care tasks as they mature.

The speech pathologist gives advice on how to encourage speech and language development for a child with cerebral palsy. Non speaking children may need to learn gestures and hand signs, or a communication book that uses words or pictures.

These are just a few of the professionals who services may be needed for a child with cerebral palsy. Ask your doctor what is best for your child.