Coronavirus (COVID-19 )
Many kids with cerebral palsy have limited mobility, so they depend on direct support providers. Physical/Social distancing may not be practical for this group as they cannot avoid close contact from those helping them with everything – personal hygiene and eating to daily activities and therapies. This puts children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, who require one on one care or physical assistance, at risk for contracting the disease.
In general, disability alone may not be related to higher risk for getting COVID-19. Others may be at higher risk, because of underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, liver disease, chronic kidney disease and severe obesity etc.
Care givers and parents need to take all precautionary measures and follow guidelines stated by health officials, to protect the vulnerable as well as themselves. Coronavirus (COVID -19) virus is an infectious disease caused by a new virus.
For more information visit – https://covid19.nj.gov/ or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
We understand that children with disabilities share the same common social needs – making friends, being loved, and being encouraged. So we serve as a resource to equip children, families and educators meet individual needs of children affected by cerebral palsy and brain damage while educating communities.
In simple terms, cerebral means “having to do with the brain” and palsy means “weakness or problem using the muscles”. According to CDC, cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects a child’s ability to control his or her muscles. The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can happen before birth, during birth, within a month after birth, or during the first years of a child’s life, while the brain is still developing.
To learn more about cerebral palsy, click here
Exercises
Most children with Cerebral Palsy and Brain damage require physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. To help loosen tightening muscles, which is common among children affected by CP, parents and/or caregivers can be taught how to stretch children at home.
Children with CP can also engage in any sports if ability permits. Sports do not have to be necessarily competitive, the social aspect is more important. Physical activities can be adjusted and tailored to meet the needs of participating children.
Oral Health
In general, brushing your teeth twice a day with flouride toothpaste, seeing a dentist/oral hygienist regularly, avoiding sugary snacks, cleaning between teeth/flossing can help keep teeth and mouth healthy.
Many children with physical challenges are not able to independently brush or floss their teeth. Family and/or caregivers assist with daily oral hygiene. Professional oral cleaning at regular interval is the best way to avoid calculus.
In poor communities and underdeveloped countries children in general do not have access to oral healthcare. We are looking for professional volunteers in this area.
Nutrition
Depending on individual abilities, things that we can take for granted like chewing and swallowing food can be challenging for individuals with cerebral palsy. However, if the only challenge is the process of chewing food, there is no need to worry about special foods and the expenses that come with that. Just the same food that everyone eats in your home and a blender is all you may need to resolve the chewing issues. Children with chewing challenges may have challenges holding runny food in the mouth. It is important to know the consistency of food that a child can eat and swallow comfortably. Water, milk, soups and fruit juices can be used in blending food to the right consistency. There is no need for artificial food thickeners at all in the blended food.
Having your child eat healthy food – fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrate and dairy in moderation can help children stay healthy regardless of the condition. All these food can also be blended even separately for your child to experience taste of different foods. Busy schedules, blend it when you have the time and store it in the refrigerator for the week.
Learning
Can all kids affected by cerebral palsy / brain damage learn? Well, where there is life, there is a way, therefore the answer is yes. If all a child can do is open their eyes, then they can read and write with those eyes, thanks to advancing technology. Often, in many societies and cultures, children with special abilities have very limited resources to no resources that suits their individual needs. Early intervention for children with disabilities is best and it takes place in schools. Services that are provided in early intervention are: physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy. Therapy is proven to be helpful in most kids with cerebral palsy. Having children get therapy services as part of the individualized education program in schools is helpful not just for the child but also for parents. Parents can be at work while the child is in school.