Cerebral Palsy Books

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed in nearly 10,000 infants and children each year. The initial confusion and distress of coping with this news is not easy for any parent and any information from cerebral palsy books can help to ease the mind and soul. By knowing even though your child is affected by this condition and caring for them will be difficult, there are others out there ready to offer their support in the form of the written word.

Although doctors usually have more information on the workings and facts of a condition, they may not always be able to relate it to what your feeling. Cerebral palsy books written by someone who has experienced it firsthand can offer great comfort and help explain what you and your child will face, in the present and future. One of these cerebral palsy books recommended by parents is entitled Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Parents’ Guide by Elaine Gerlais.

Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Parents’ Guide is edited by Elaine Gerlais as she draws upon her expertise as a parent and a seasoned advocate to compile this invaluable guide for other parents of children with cerebral palsy, with content drawn from medical specialists, therapists, educators, and parents. The book covers important areas such as diagnosis, medical issues, family life, legal rights, early intervention, coping, therapies, treatment, development, advocacy, special education, and daily care. New to the second edition is information on the latest treatments for seizures; medications for muscle spasticity and drooling; treatments for gastro esophageal reflux; communication devices and toys; advice on dealing with insurance companies; inclusion during preschool years and important changes to special education laws, plus much more. Other helpful information includes a glossary, reading list, and resource guide. This book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date and can be referred to by parents time and time again during their child's first six years.

Another one of the more important cerebral palsy books is co-authored by Freeman Miller, M.D. and Steven J. Bachrach, M.D., two of the leading experts in the cerebral palsy field. Titled Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide for Caregiving, this book provides in depth coverage of the major issues confronting parents of children with cerebral palsy and addresses them in a question and answer format. This book covers the three major forms of cerebral palsy: diplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia, regarding developmental stages, milestones, and issues for each type of cerebral palsy in age ranges from infant to teenager. This cerebral palsy book also discusses medical problems, and intellectual, psychological, and social development issues. Parents of children with cerebral palsy will find this particular one of the cerebral palsy books to be an excellent reference guide for their child.

Although these books are relatively inexpensive, free publications are available also. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities publishes several cerebral palsy books, pamphlets, and fact sheets, most of which can be found free of charge by ordering them or downloading a PDF version of them online.

Cerebral palsy books can help you better understand the obstacles that you and your family will be challenged with. It never hurts to have the knowledge and information from someone that has already experienced cerebral palsy firsthand. Cerebral palsy books are available so you don’t have to do it all on your own.