According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy is the pediatric motor disability that is most common in the United States. The CDC also reports that up to 90% of these cases result from brain damage during pregnancy or labor, often because of loss of oxygen.
If you have received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy for your infant, review these resources for Florida-area parents.
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
CPF is a nationwide organization with a mission of changing lives for individuals who have CP through research, innovation and collaboration. The organization also runs a dedicated resource website at cpresource.org, where you can find videos, podcasts, articles and other information designed for families who want to help their children thrive with a CP diagnosis. Explore topics such as early diagnosis, optimizing your child’s environment, facilitating effective education and much more.
Sunrise
Sunrise is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to children and families who have disabilities, and has several locations in Florida. Children’s services from Sunrise are available right in Tampa, including summer camp with overnight nursing care, supported living services, physical and occupational therapy, day programs, 24/7 residential programs, and family-based care.
UCP of Central Florida
United Cerebral Palsy strives to provide innovative education for children who have cerebral palsy, with seven schools throughout central Florida. In addition to academics, students access support services, transitional services, therapy, teen-parent connection programs and even an early education pre-K program.
Sometimes, cerebral palsy results from health care provider negligence. If this occurred in your family’s case, you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Florida.