Cerebral Palsy

Evidence:

Multiple research projects are currently undertaken in this area, CLICK HERE to learn more. 

These links provides the latest stem cell and brain injury research:

• https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/news-stories/video-series/communication-research-series/
• https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/news-stories/news/stem-cell-news/

Education:

Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. In Australia there are approximately 34,000 people with cerebral palsy. Worldwide, the incidence of cerebral palsy is 1 in 700 births. There are currently 17 million people in the world who have cerebral palsy. For most people with cerebral palsy, the cause is unknown and there is no known cure for cerebral palsy.

Being born extremely premature or critically ill at birth can increase the risk of Cerebral Palsy. 

For more information about Cerebral Palsy download this factsheet.

Empowerment:

For most teens in Australia a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy would have occurred anywhere from birth to 5 years of age and support may already be in place to transition your teenager to high school or possible employment.

Entering high school and the teenage years can be challenging for your teen and yourself as parents.  Exploring options and speaking with your teen’s health care team can support you along the way to decide what is the best option for your teen. 

Deciding on a school is a big decision. Make appointments and meet with the Principal of your school of choice and find out what support they can offer to best assist your child. Knowing your child’s needs is vitally important to help get them the best school environment to help nurture their development.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance provide guides designed to support students to achieve their best outcomes during secondary school. Each guide has been informed by evidence based thinking and long-time learnings. CPA is proud to be a pre-qualified provider under the Department of Education’s Specialist Allied Health Scheme* to ensure learning adjustments are appropriate and effective for students. This means CPA are fully approved by the Department to deliver occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and behaviour support.

• CPA Student Success Guides
• CPA Student Success Guide Kit 2020 PDF
• CPA Student Success Guide Yrs 9 & 10 PDF
• CPA Student Success Guide Yrs 11 & 12 PDF

Support groups or one-on-one support can help your teenager connect socially, learn the skills for independence, and gain the physical skills and fitness to deal with everyday activities. There’s also an exciting new School Leaver Employment Supports program offered by Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

CPA’s accredited professionals have expertise across individual coaching and group experiences, everyday living, supported employment, health and wellbeing, therapy, and short term and supported accommodation. Programs are designed to empower young people aged 13-30 with a disability, give them the skills they need to increase independence and transition to adulthood. Find out about the range of programs, CLICK HERE.

For parents and carers of teenagers with Cerebral Palsy, it is important that you take care of yourself too. Feeling empowered and in control can play such a huge positive impact on your mental health.  Cerebral Palsy Alliance provide support for parents and carers and specialise in working with families for the best outcome for each teen and family.

To connect and request support in caring for your teen with Cerebral Palsy, please CLICK HERE.

Special thanks to Cerebral Palsy Alliance for content sharing and providing support for families.
https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/

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