About Cerebral Palsy in Professional Journals

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that is often misunderstood. Understanding what Cerebral Palsy is, and the various print resources available on the condition, will help you seek the publications best suited for you or your child's needs.

Definition

• The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) defines Cerebral Palsy as a neurological disorder that appears in infancy or in early childhood and permanently impacts motor function and coordination. Cerebral Palsy does not worsen over time.

Causes

• The exact cause of Cerebral Palsy is unknown. According to the NEJM, the condition is a result of abnormalities effecting parts of the brain that control muscle movement and coordination. The degree of impairment depends on the individual child--some may only need help with fine motor skills, whereas others may need to be in a wheelchair.

Finding Resources

• In the past four years, the United Cerebral Palsy Association has teamed up the Case for Inclusion Report to rank each U.S. state on available community resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Print Publications

• Cerebral Palsy Magazine focuses entirely on helping individuals and families lead more productive and independent lives. This quarterly report focuses on topics relevant to the disability, including therapeutic interventions such as occupational therapy.

Scholarly Journals

• Several medical journals frequently discuss Cerebral Palsy. These include the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Each has a website with a searchable database to help you locate information on Cerebral Palsy.