Provides an overview of cerebral palsy, a term for a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle co-ordination, caused by damage to one or more areas of the brain, usually during foetal development. The text describes: the specific patterns of involvement (haemiplegia, diplegia, quadriplegia); explains the medical and psychosocial implications of these conditions; and shows parents how to be effective advocates for their child. It presents practical advice about caregiving and explains medical terms and diagnoses, surgical procedures, orthopaedic devices and assistive technologies. The book also contains a list of resources and recommended reading.
"Written by a team of experts associated with the Cerebral Palsy Program at the Alfred I. duPont Institute in Wilmington, Deleware, Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide for Caregiving addresses the many complexities and uncertainties related to this diagnosis. At the same time, it provides the information parents, grandparents, caregivers, and health professionals need -- everything form medical, educational, and psychosocial implications to wheelchair maintenance and dental care." -- Exceptional Parent