On first thought, you may think that ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) cannot be “recycled,” since they are molded to custom-fit a specific child. However, donating your AFOs actually can help children in need! Some organizations modify the shape of used AFOs, fitting them to their new owners. Read More

Every parent of a child born with a brain injury asks themselves, “Was my child’s birth injury preventable?” Very few find the answer to that question. Why? Many times, they’re convinced by the physicians and other medical personnel involved in their child’s delivery that “these things happen.” Read More

In a previous blog, we covered what clinical trials are, the 4 FDA-mandated phases of a trial, the benefits and risks of participating, what current clinical trials relate to cerebral palsy and what might be involved in qualifying for one. The next step is learning how to find clinical trials in your area. Read More

As with most medical conditions, cerebral palsy does not have just one treatment. Considered “incurable,” the condition of cerebral palsy results in a lifelong quest for improvements, not cures. Read More

Doctor appointments are all too frequent in the lives of families with special needs children. The appointments themselves and the issues addressed, however, are seldom routine. Given that you will have 15-30 minutes at most with the doctor, making the most of this time is critical. Read More

hen we post our “Question of the Day” on Facebook, we always expect some interaction. After all, our community is very active and loves to help other families facing the same issues. However we were pleasantly surprised when we received an overwhelming amount of feedback to this question. Read More

Summer is almost here and if you’re a parent of a child of a certain age, you start hearing chatter about summer camps, day camps and all fun activities typical children enjoy. But what about your child who uses a wheelchair, or has difficulty speaking or eating? Is this in his or her future? Read More

You may have read this blog post in which Giles Manley urges parents and expectant women: Call a doctor if you feel like you should, even and especially over the holidays! This advice rings equally true for the families of children with special needs Read More

By Giles Manley, MD, JD CPFN Medical Advisor As an attorney with more than 20 years of obstetrical experience, I regularly sit down with parents and review situations in which medical error is the suspected cause of their child’s cerebral palsy. While each case is different, there are certain medical errors which come up most... Read More

Fortunately, most births in the United States are complication-free. But in my practice, I primarily deal with parents whose child was diagnosed months or even years after birth with cerebral palsy, and who suspect medical error may have played a part. I have investigated some 10,000 of these cases over the years. Read More