1. Dementia Slideshow Pictures
2. Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures
3. Brain Foods Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Norberto Alvarez, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Clearly, children with cerebral palsy may have very substantial problems, but almost all have the potential to learn, achieve, succeed, and create a happy life for themselves. This cannot happen without effort, and they need the help of their families. Having a child with cerebral palsy brings many challenges. It is understandable, then, that parents and siblings of a child with cerebral palsy may have significant stress. A parent may feel guilt, anger, anxiety, and/or hopelessness. The parent may feel alone and uncertain about what he or she should do.

Before parents can help themselves or their child, they need to develop appropriate expectations and get organized. Only then can parents learn practical ways to cope with the child's problems and put these methods into practice. But making changes is not always easy. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to.

This is the purpose of support groups. Support groups consist of people in similar situations. They come together to help each other and to help themselves. Support groups provide reassurance, motivation, and inspiration. They help parents see that their situation is not unique and not hopeless, and that gives them power. Support groups also provide practical tips on coping with cerebral palsy and navigating the medical, educational, and social systems that parents will rely on for help for themselves and their child. Being in a cerebral palsy support group is recommended by most mental health professionals.

Support groups meet in person, on the telephone, or on the Internet. To find a support group that works, contact the following organizations. Parents can also ask a member of their child's care team or go on the Internet. If parents do not have access to the Internet, they should go to the public library.

• United Cerebral Palsy - (800) 872-5827 or (202) 776-0406
• Pathways Awareness Foundation - (800) 955-2445

Must Read Articles Related to Cerebral Palsy

Cognitive Deficits Cognitive deficits (intellectual disability) begin in childhood and cause impaired ability to learn and function. Impairment level is categorized as mild, moder...learn more >>

Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems) Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) has many causes. Dysphagia can be caused by diseases of the brain, diseases or conditions that affect muscle function, disease...learn more >>

Motor Skills Disorder Motor skills disorder (motor coordination disorder or motor dyspraxia) is a common childhood disorder of childhood that results in difficulty in processing visu...learn more >>

See the Entire Cerebral Palsy Topic Guide »