How To Advocate For Kids With Cerebral Palsy

How To Advocate For Kids With Cerebral Palsy

How To Advocate For Kids With Cerebral Palsy

One in 323 kids in the USA has Cerebral Palsy, according to the CDC, and  these kids need advocates in order to live their best lives. When you advocate for a child with Cerebral Palsy, whether it’s your own son or daughter or another child that you care about, you’ll be  helping someone who really needs you. With the right support, children who have this motor disability have a better chance of accessing premium medical care, therapeutic services and education.

Ask doctors and health insurance companies to help

Many advocates for kids with CP are parents. If you fit that category, there is so much that you can do to assist your child. One important aspect of being an advocate is making sure that your son or daughter is formally diagnosed early on.
If your child is already formally diagnosed, that’s good news, because earlier diagnosis is optimal. Early diagnosis makes it possible for a child to  access the best treatments as soon as they can. Don’t hesitate to ask doctors and health insurance companies for what your child deserves, which is premium health care and therapy. The family network  CPFN emphasizes the importance of parents connecting with other parents in the same boat, sharing information as they deal with health care and health insurance systems. Finding a support network of parents just like you, online or offline, will help you to gather advice and get emotional support.

Talk to teachers and school board officials

Modern treatments for cerebral palsy help many children to lead long and happy lives.  Education is also important, as it gives children with CP the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, and to be around other kids. Most parents who advocate for their CP children want their kids in regular classes, and this is possible for many families. In other situations, kids begin in special ed classes and then get integrated into regular classrooms after educators decide that they’re are ready for this transition. Learning about the educational system, as it pertains to children with CP, will help you to fight for your child’s rights. Be sure to attend school meetings, and set up private meetings with teachers and school leaders if you need to.
You can help your child by learning about CP and the school system. For example, your son or daughter may require more time to get from class to class, and teachers need to be made aware of this fact. It may also be helpful to ask for verbal examinations for your child, rather than written exams. Sometimes, these verbal tests are better ways to test knowledge in kids with cerebral palsy.

Educate friends and family

As a parent or caregiver, you’ve probably already learned a lot about CP. Other people who interact with your child may not know nearly as much. Be sure to educate those in your child’s circle about what cerebral palsy is and how to best communicate with your child. When you raise awareness close to home, you’ll be such a wonderful protector of your child.
Now that you know more about how to advocate for a child with CP, you’ll be ready to help in so many valuable ways. One of the most important things that you can do is just to love your child. Smile, play, and ensure that your child eats a healthy diet that supports good health. Be there for your son or daughter through thick and thin, and you’re already their biggest advocate.

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