Cerebral Palsy
info@cerebralpalsy.org.uk
  • Home
    • About Us
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Help & Advice
    • Diagnosis Advice
    • Legal Advice
    • SDR Surgery
    • Activity
    • Respite Care
  • News & Events
    • Your Stories
    • Blog
  • Contact Us

diagnosis advice

It can be incredibly daunting to receive a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy at any age. For a parent whose young child has just been diagnosed this can be very difficult to process. For an older person a diagnosis can be a huge relief, the resolution to a long struggle to understand the physical challenges they have faced.
For those with young children it’s important to take a little time to process this news as a family, and then you can start working together to manage the condition positively.

The earlier a diagnosis is secured the easier this can be. You will be able to start working on various therapies and meeting with specialists for regular support.

Here are a few things that you might find helpful:
Picture
Step 1: Communicate with friends and family
You are going to need extra support in the years to come, it is important to make sure that everyone involved properly understands the condition. It can be difficult to explain this to young siblings, but be open about it and ensure they know they can ask questions.


Step 2: Understand the NHS support system
You will be referred by your GP to a specialist Paediatrician, and it is them who will help to coordinate your child’s care. Your paediatrician will refer you towards relevant medical help i.e. physiotherapy and speech therapy. Ask your GP to properly explain the referral processes to you if you don't feel you fully understand it.
Step 3: External support
There are a range of charities and organisations that function to support people with Cerebral Palsy, you can find some of them on our help & advice page. If you live in an area that has an active Cerebral Palsy Society then you could get involved with people in your community. Alternatively you can connect with others using our free online forum.
Step 4: Do you need financial help?
There are various charities and organisations that can help with funding for specific equipment. In cases where you believe Cerebral Palsy may have been caused by an injury at or around the time of birth or as the result of a mismanaged pregnancy then you may be able to claim compensation to support your child in the years to come. See our legal advice page for more information.
Picture
This site is managed and owned by Bridge McFarland LLP. Privacy Policy.
Bridge McFarland LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, registered number OC419565. Our registered office is at Sibthorp House, 351-355 High Street, Lincoln, LN5 7BN. A list of members is open to inspection at this address. The term Partner is used to refer to a member of Bridge McFarland LLP. Bridge McFarland LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 657877.​ View our full disclaimer here.
This website is an information and resource website only.