How Do I Know if My Child Has Cerebral Palsy?
If your child is 2 to 3 years old, you might suspect that something isn’t “right.” Or maybe your gut told you early on that your baby was not developing like other babies her age.
Unfortunately, it can take years to determine if your child does in fact have developmental problems. Different babies develop at different rates, and most of the time each child falls into the range of “normal.”
For example, your neighbor’s daughter might start walking at 9 months. But your nephew may not take his first step until he is 18 months. Yet both children hit that milestone at the age that was healthy and normal for them.
So, because the age spectrums for “normal” are so broad, your doctor may not worry if your child can’t walk or firmly grasp and hold on to a toy until later than the average.
But if you suspect that your baby is not developing within the normal range, you obviously want to know why. And you may suspect cerebral palsy.
Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Children
Symptoms of cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe. Pay close attention if your child demonstrates one or a combination of the following:
- Struggles with fine motor skills. These include handling scissors, using crayons, buttoning a shirt, and any other movement that uses her fingers and hands
- Struggles with gross motor skills. These include walking, riding a tricycle, kicking a ball, and other movements that use his legs and arms.
- Trouble sitting upright. It takes a lot of muscle tone to sit up without toppling over.
- Shakes a lot or has uncontrollable jerking of her legs, arms, or torso.
- Muscles are weak.
- Body tremors, drooling, weakened muscles in his face; may lose control of his tongue.
- Trouble moving from one position to another.
- Trouble sucking.
If your child shows any of these signs, she needs to be seen by a doctor who is trained in diagnosing cerebral palsy. The doctor should perform a series of tests and ask you a series of questions about your child’s development.
Your child’s symptoms will vary by the type of cerebral palsy she is diagnosed with. If her cerebral palsy is considered severe, she may require special help with her mobility as she develops and grows, including one or a combination of the following:
- A wheel chair
- Crutches
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Specialized care from an outside provider
How to Get Help if You Think Your Child May Have CP
Whatever it is your child needs to have a happier, healthier and more productive life, you may qualify for special monetary benefits. Especially if your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented.
As you may be discovering, the special care and equipment your child requires can be expensive. The good news is that it’s easier than you might expect to get the financial help you need.
If you are feeling lonely, scared, or confused as to what to do next, rest assured that someone cares. We are here to help you get the emotional and monetary support that you and your child deserve.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
