Autism/Cerebral Palsy (CP)

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Expert: - 8/5/2005


Question
Your expertise is the closest to my daughter's abnormal nature who is 9 yrs old.Could you kindly explain exactly what is CP? Her physical coordination is poor and she has difficulty in learning and speaking.She is smaller than her peers.How can i care for her and what therapy do you recommend?

Answer
Hi Lokman,

I'm surprised no one has more direct experience with cerebral palsy than myself.  Autism can certainly exist along with CP, though.

I think it is very important that you find a specialist for your daughter who can guide you in her care for the direct affects of CP.

You did not tell me where you live so I can't direct you to specific resources near you.  If you live in the United States, call the nearest University Hospital or Shriner's Hospital and ask them to help you find the resources you need.  Even if you are uninsured, your daughter will qualify for free care and for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the U.S. government.  Also, she should be receiving services from your local school district with her learning difficulties.

IF she is also on the Autisic Spectrum, it may be difficult to tell as her speech and learning problems could be a direct result of the CP or autistic in nature.  Only a neurologist skilled in figuring this out is going to be able to diagnose her.

I did a quick web search and came across the following sites which seem to have some good information.  Be aware that, if they are selling anything, I am NOT endorsing their product or services.

http://www.freewebs.com/cerebral-palsy/
http://www.neurologychannel.com/cerebralpalsy/

Best wishes to you and your daughter.

Catherine  

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

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