Medical professionals who use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) say that recent studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, indicate that this treatment significantly improves the lives of many children with cerebral palsy and other types of chronic brain injury. So why do many children with these diagnoses not have access to this treatment? Simply…

This article shares a story of a family with a child who has a spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, a form of cerebral palsy (CP) that affects all four limbs and torso with debilitating muscle dysfunction. It describes how the family cares for their child's incontinence. It also shares the experience of the child's mother, Kathy, who attributes…

The FDA committees and the manufacturers of the most common ADHD drugs have recently modified the prescription information to include warnings on sudden death, serious cardiovascular events, and suicidal ideation. The purpose of this article was to document the association between traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and ADHD and to clarify the…

Accepting the limitations of a child whose life was supposed to be imbued with endless possibilities requires parents to come to terms with expectations of themselves and the world around them. In this article, the author offers some helpful strategies for fostering acceptance and strengthening family relationships: (1) Remember that parenting is…

The mother of two boys, one with residual cerebral palsy and one nondisabled, discusses her single parent experiences. She outlines her initial refusal to accept help from family and friends, her original role as a "martyr-Mom," and the difficulties in making decisions alone and balancing attention between disabled and nondisabled siblings. (JDD)

A parent recounts the process leading to placement of her severely retarded and cerebral palsied son in a residential situation using Community Training Homes, a foster home program in Connecticut. (DB)

The paper provides basic information about positioning for augmentative and alternative communication, by reviewing some of the communication needs of students severely disabled by cerebral palsy. The wheelchair is proposed as the primary position for use of a communication aid, and guidelines are presented for good wheelchair positioning. (JDD)

A mother recounts her negative experiences with an early intervention program for her cerebral palsied infant and encourages parents to assert themselves if a program is not meeting their child's needs. (DB)

An interview with parents of a child with cerebral palsy recount their struggles to find a diagnosis and treatment for their daughter and express their anger over the lack of information and help they were given by professionals. They emphasize the need for honesty and straightforwardness in professionals dealing with parents. (CL)

A cerebral palsied adult recounts his own healthy education into sexuality by his parents and offers parents suggestions, such as making a candid assessment of their own feelings and ideas regarding sexuality. Parents are encouraged to be informative, realistic, open, and affirmative with all children, whether disabled or not. (DB)

Techniques for modifying toys for children with cerebral palsy to enhance active, independent use of play materials are described. The most successful techniques include stabilization; creating boundaries; and use of grasping aids, manipulation aids, and switches. Good positioning is emphasized to maximize controlled and relaxed movement and…

A ninth-grade student with cerebral palsy began to exhibit behavior problems in the classroom, and his parents disagreed in their problem-solving approach. Family counseling helped the boy improve his behavior, and helped the parents to realize that their adolescent son was struggling with the issue of independence. (JDD)

Explores the more common birth defects, noting their rates, causes, and potential for prevention. Highlights the trend toward leading more normal lives for children with such impairments. (HTH)

The parents of a wheelchair-bound nine-year-old child with cerebral palsy and little speech or communication ability describe the role of electronic technology in improving the child's life in the areas of mobility, communication, and education. (DB)

Parents describe how the Disabled Students' Program at the University of California-Berkeley supported their daughter with cerebral palsy in pursuing an independent college career. Two vignettes describing college students' (with muscular dystrophy and physical disabilities) adjustment at Boston University are presented. (CB)