Joining Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents

By Jayne Rutledge


Having a child with a disability can make life much more challenging for any parent. They are thrown into a world they knew nothing about and will have to find their way around. Being able to ask for help is an important skill that many will need to learn for the first time in their lives. Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents have branches all over the country and offer a wide range of services for those families who so desperately need their help.

Each person deals with the shock in their own way. Some people are angry and want to lash out at those around them. Others are over whelmed by guilt and feel that it is somehow their fault, whilst others fall into a serious depression. All of these reactions are very normal and will usually go away on their own in time. However, connecting with other families in the same situation can really help them to weather this emotional storm.

As soon as doctors give them the diagnosis the families world changes forever. They suddenly have to cope with situations and challenges that nothing can prepare them for. They may feel guilty that their other children will suffer, or if it is their first child they may be hesitant to have more. Every family has a different dilemma and will have to deal with things in their own way.

It may take the new parent some time to get over the shock of hearing the news. No one can prepare for the devastating news that their child has a life long condition that cannot be cured. However, they must focus on the positive and learn that there are many services and therapies available that will help their child to lead a very full life.

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.

Fortunately there is a lot of help on hand for both child and family. Each local authority runs early intervention programs specifically for children with additional needs. The family should enroll their child as soon as they get home from the hospital. It can really help them to do something practical and the sooner therapy begins the better. A case worker will come to their home to start gathering information and get them set up with all the necessary help.

They have the opportunity to learn about a whole new world that may include a lot of new things, but they are not all bad. The world of special education is also challenging and having a veteran parent to guide them through is invaluable. They should be sure to become part of an education network well before their child starts school.

Other families can help by pointing new parents in the right direction. For example those who are facing medical issues may need advice about which hospitals offer the best services. As their child gets older they will have questions about the best school districts. All these questions and many more can be addressed by Cerebral Palsy support groups for parents.




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