How to Deal With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological birth defect that affects muscle coordination. United Cerebral Palsy reports that about 800,000 people in the U.S. are afflicted with this disorder. Depending on the area of the brain affected, the symptoms of CP are manifested in different ways. While one person may have muscle spasms and tightness, another could have difficulty with speech. Cerebral palsy can cause learning disabilities and mental retardation. Whether you are trying to cope with your own illness or your loved one's, there are many advocacy groups that can help you better understand this complicated disorder.

Things You'll Need

• Internet (optional)

Show More

Instructions

Coping With Cerebral Palsy

• 1

  Call 1-800-469-2445 to see if your family qualifies for Benefits4Life. CerebralPalsy.org has a program that could help you receive financial benefits, special equipment, therapy and more. 4MyChild, a cerebral palsy advocacy organization, has resources for understanding your child's diagnosis, information about treatment and several suggestions for coping with this illness.

• 2

  Talk with other people that have cerebral palsy. By connecting with people with similar problems, you can minimize depression and anxiety. CPConnection.com has a searchable database of support groups in different cities and states. They even have listings for groups in Australia, Europe, Africa and other countries. You can discuss new treatments, how to cope with symptoms, and even participate in social activities with people who have the same physical challenges.

• 3

  Find an online support group. If you are less mobile or have a schedule that makes attending group meetings too difficult, there are online forums where you post a question or message and people respond to your post personally. The discussion forum at DailyStrength.com has topics ranging from getting a handicap automobile permit to questions about muscle spasms and how to function at work.

• 4

  Find a CP-support chat room. At Susie's Cerebral Palsy Homepage, you can meet other people with CP, download internet chat programs and have instant-message conversations with other CP patients.

• 5

  Volunteer your time. One of the best ways to cope with an illness like cerebral palsy is to help those less fortunate than you. Take meals to homebound patients. Volunteer to read stories to hospitalized children. You can also counsel young people who are just learning to understand their own scary symptoms. Network for Good is a website that allows you to search for cerebral palsy organizations in any state that needs volunteers and donations.