Raising a child is one of the most difficult tasks anyone can take on – but it is highly rewarding. As a parent, you give your child the love, support, time, dedication and patience they need for growth and social development.
Raising a child who has cerebral palsy is even more challenging. The difficulties of rearing the child are often greater, as well as keeping up with the medical treatments. The emotional burden associated with raising a child who has cerebral palsy can be very difficult on parents. Your child may have physical, mental and developmental disabilities that you have to help them overcome as well.
Despite all of this, however, parents raise children in the United States with cerebral palsy every day. You too can overcome all of the difficulties and raise a child who is healthy, happy, and confident, regardless of whether or not they have CP. All it takes is a little extra time, patience and support to make it all happen.
Accepting Your Child’s Diagnosis
A new parent with a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy may feel as though they’ve lost. If that child was born with cerebral palsy because of a misdiagnosis or medical error performed during the pregnancy, parents can also feel angry and confused.
One of the first steps in successfully raising a child with CP is to accept that they have this condition and that it will be with them the rest of their life. After you have accepted that, raising your child becomes easier because then you can start creating a plan for effective parenting.
Professional Therapy
You will need the assistance of a professional therapist who specializes in cerebral palsy cases. These individuals will give you the emotional support and confidence to raise your child and also help you cope with the special issues associated with CP.
Establish a Treatment Plan and Team
A child with cerebral palsy will have numerous providers who will work as a team to help your child develop properly – both mentally and socially. You will need to speak with a specialist regarding a treatment plan, which usually starts with a physician. Make sure you are comfortable with the physician you have selected, since you will deal with this individual a lot in your child’s life. You will also be referred to an orthopedic specialist to address the bones, tendons and muscles that are affected by your child’s cerebral palsy. Some other professionals you may need include a speech therapist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, occupational therapist and possibly a social worker.
Paying for Treatments
The cost of treatments for a child with CP can be astounding, but there are options. Not only do you have government funding and private insurance, but if your child’s CP is the direct result of a physician’s negligence prior to birth, you may be able to seek a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC to Explore Your Options
At Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the difficulties and costs associated with raising a child with CP. If your child’s case was caused by a physician’s negligence, hold that physician accountable for their actions and receive the compensation you need to help your child live a fulfilling, happy life. Contact us today online for a free consultation or schedule your appointment by calling 502-791-9000.
