Many children with cerebral palsy experience some level of challenge with speech. Their challenges could be due to cognitive delays and learning disorders or might be the result of damage to the area of the brain that facilitates speech. Augmentative communication devices have opened doors and given new lives to many individuals, providing a means... Read More

All children need a nutritious and balanced diet for healthy development. But children with cerebral palsy have certain physical challenges and potential nutritional deficiencies that make it crucial to carefully monitor and plan their daily diet. For those reasons, nutrition therapy is often an integral part of caring for a child with CP. Do Children... Read More

Cerebral palsy doesn’t cause oral abnormalities on its own, but children with cerebral palsy can be more susceptible to oral hygiene conditions and complications than the general population. Cerebral palsy dental care is an important part of managing your child’s life. With routine dental checkups and regularly practiced oral care at home, your child can... Read More

Because cerebral palsy (CP) has varying levels of severity, each child with a CP diagnosis may experience it differently. Some children may have very few symptoms, while others may have significant developmental delays, both physically and cognitively. However, many children affected with cerebral palsy experience issues of spasticity. In fact, a CDC study reported that... Read More

When your child needs a particular medication, therapy, treatment, or assistive device, your request to an insurance company, government agency or other funding source can sometimes be denied. Oftentimes they will require a letter of medical necessity, which is typically provided by your physician or therapist. Letters of medical necessity are critical to getting coverage... Read More

Dyskinesia by definition is a movement disorder. Involuntary (not within a person’s control) muscle contractions create uncontrollable bodily movements. These involuntary movements are often triggered when trying to perform everyday tasks, such as reaching for a glass of water. There are three general categories of dyskinetic movement disorders: Dystonia presents as twisting and repetitive type... Read More

From balance and posture to speech and vision, cerebral palsy can affect a wide range of your child’s abilities and symptoms. Some children who develop cerebral palsy also have related complications and disorders, such as apraxia of speech. Discover how apraxia and cerebral palsy may be linked, and learn more about diagnosis and treatment for... Read More

By Lee Vander Loop CP Family Network Editor When you read the words “Patient-Centered Care,” what comes to your mind? When I first encountered the phrase, I was confused. Shouldn’t all medicine be ‘patient-centered’ since it is about the patient and, if this is new, what was the approach before? CP Research Study Seeks Parents... Read More

By John Lehman Sometimes, depending on the severity of the disorder, children with cerebral palsy have difficulties feeding themselves. In these cases, a feeding tube may be necessary for your child to meet his or her dietary and nutritional requirements. Feeding tubes could also be used to allow your child an easier way to take... Read More

By Lee Vander Loop CP Family Network Editor Some children with severe cerebral palsy have feeding disorders which require tube feeding. Children who are unable to fulfill their nutritional needs using traditional feeding methods, those with oral motor skill dysfunction or children at risk for aspiration are typically candidates for tube feeding. Often, doctors prescribe... Read More