When people ask "How do I use CP Resource?" there are many different ways to answer this depending on what information you are looking for and what part of your journey you are on.
We have designed CP Resource around the concept of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) system addressing human functioning, providing a standard language and framework that describes how people with a health condition function in their daily lives, rather than focusing on a labeled diagnosis or the presence or absence of disease. The ICF model considers the dynamics between a person’s health condition and environmental and personal factors which we think is a helpful and real world way to look at things.
We have color coded each of 5 Key Content Categories that are part of ICF to help you better navigate the CP Resource. We'll be continually updating CP Resource with new information, the latest research and much more, so check back often for updates.
Being exposed to a whole new world of cerebral palsy medical terminology, interventions and information can be confusing and overwhelming. The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is here to help with CP Resource– designed and developed with leading experts and families just like yours – featuring reliable information and resources to help you navigate your journey more easily. As an individual with cerebral palsy or as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, you are the strongest advocate, and have the power to change and shape your or your child’s world. If you have just started this journey, concerned whether your child is meeting typical milestones or are looking for resources and the latest evidence for adults- We’re here to help!
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Understanding Your Brain & Body Many things can interfere with the immature brain very early in life. The result is that the brain is not easily able to send clear messages to the body (such as to the muscles). As a result, posture and movement control, and sometimes other aspects of function, may be ‘impaired’. -
Promoting Activities & Participation For people of any age, skills develop as they are used. For a child with cerebral palsy, it’s important to encourage interests and skills as early as possible, and learn more about inclusion in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. For the adolescent and adult with cerebral palsy, there are a wide range of activities and interests to be involved in that will improve both mental and physical health. Don’t stay on the sidelines! Let us help you get involved. -
Personal Considerations It is always very important to pay close attention to each individual's interests, skills, and goals. These personal factors should be the focus of all our efforts in working with people to enable them to become the best of who they want to be. -
Optimizing Your Environment Obviously, creating a good environment at home is an important part of supporting your child’s growth and abilities. It’s critically important that a child is encouraged to participate at home and to become part of the family activities – and that the supports are in place to do that. -
Preparing For The Future Preparing for the future is what child ‘development’ is all about! We believe that service providers need to think about the future – in a positive way – right from the start, and encourage parents to do so as well.