The birth of a child is supposed to be a special event filled with anticipation and happiness. Yet, the sad reality is that many families end up having to deal with birth injuries. The truth is that these birth injuries can be quite severe, too, reshaping how you would expect a child to live his or her life. Cerebral palsy is amongst the most severe birth injuries, and we know that just getting by with this condition is hard. If you’re the parent of a child who suffers from cerebral palsy, then here are some things that you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Mobility is key: Cerebral palsy has a profound impact on an individual’s ability to move. To help facilitate movement, you may have to secure assistance from an orthopedic professional as well as a physical therapist. Medication and surgery might also help improve movement. Early intervention may help improve outcomes.
- Focus on communication: Those who suffer from cerebral palsy can also find it difficult to communicate. This might make daily living extremely difficult. A speech therapist can assist here by providing a cerebral palsy sufferer with the skills they need to improve their communication. If talking isn’t an option, then teaching your child how to communicate in other ways, such as through writing and pictures, can be helpful.
- Dealing with sleep: Children with cerebral palsy often struggle to get enough sleep. This can make dealing with other issues even harder. Therefore, work with the experts on your team to find ways to get your child enough exercise and eat a healthy diet. Also, try to ensure that your child is comfortable in bed and has a consistent bedtime routine.
Seek the help that you and your child need
Living with a birth injury like cerebral palsy is nothing short of challenging. It can be heartbreaking and frustrating, but don’t let that deter you from giving your child the best medical care possible. We know that can be costly, and you probably want some accountability for your child’s birth injury. That’s why law firms like ours stand ready to help you fight for an outcome that is right for you and your family.