Having the first signs of cerebral palsy doesn’t set your child’s future in stone
In many situations, both the medical and therapy community use a child’s diagnosis as a label accompanied by the claim of “permanent disability.” Yet, I have seen individuals with cerebral palsy who are able to lead independent, fulfilling lives. As a parent, it is up to you to teach your child about the world and to guide him or her through any difficulties he or she may come across.
continue readingDown syndrome: behavioural problems? Enabled Kids takes a look
For any child, discipline and learning play an integral role in his or her growth and development. For those with Down syndrome, this fact does not change. Just remember: discipline is not about restricting your child, but assisting and guiding him in every aspect of his life.
continue readingDoes your pediatrician have a crystal ball? So why is he predicting a bleak future for your child?
According to Tibetan medicine, disease does not originate in the human body. It starts in a person’s mind. Then it affects his body.
For a child with a neurological disorder, the future seems clear. Or at least it is in everyone else’s mind. Everyone seems certain about what the future holds for this child – what [...]
Is stem cell treatment the cure to cerebral palsy we’ve all been waiting for? EnabledKids.ca takes a closer look at this hot topic.
I know that I am touching very “hot” topic: stem cell treatment which is advertised everywhere and has been discussed in almost every corridor in clinics and hospitals. According to some online ads, stem cell treatment is a “revolutionary breakthrough” in the treatment of cerebral palsy.
I’ve been asked a lot of questions about this treatment, [...]
Wondering why your child’s therapy isn’t yielding results? Take a closer look at the attitude behind the methods
I’ve been working with children with neurological disorders for over 23 years. Yet every single day I continue to be surprised by how little we know about children who are labelled as “disabled.” We (therapists), with all post-graduate degrees and training on new techniques and treatment approaches, a lot of times still find it hard [...]
continue readingMaking a point – pardon the pun – about vaccinations: Know the pros and cons before letting your child get the needle
I want to state upfront, before you read this blog, that I am not about to get into a discussion about whether or not you should vaccinate your child. Nor am I going to expound on the oft-debated link between vaccinations and autism, as well as other neurological disorders in children. The goal of this [...]
continue readingBotox injections for your child? While there may be some benefits, there are also a number of risks you need to consider
The more I know, the less I know.
Botox injections become extremely popular in cosmetic and medical use. But what has me worried these days is its increased use in children with hyper tone cerebral palsy. In fact, almost every day in my practice, I hear about another child whose doctor has recommended Botox injections. And [...]
What are you afraid of? It’s time to shed our prejudices about people with neurological disorders.
I remember the day my young son, David, visited my clinic and saw Max, a six-year-old boy with autism.
Max was standing in the corridor, looking somewhat puzzled as I – along with his mother and massage therapist – tried to get him to walk without assistance. At first, he made it clear that he [...]
No special equipment? When machines and gadgets create a disconnect between therapy and daily life, your child may end up improving in the treatment room but doing poorly at home.
Elaine walked into the treatment room. She turned around and looked at me with disappointment. “Is there is any special equipment?” she asked.
Elaine is the mother of Naomi, a beautiful four-year-old girl with hyper tone Cerebral Palsy. Because of hyper tone in her adductor muscles, Naomi’s legs are pulled in and she cannot walk.
“We have [...]
Don’t let your child get written off as a hopeless case. You’re not just a parent – you’re your child’s best therapist and advocate.
At the beginning I was shocked by the stories I heard. But then with the time I realized that these stories were, sadly, quite common amongst parents who have kids with neurological disorders. At some point I set a rule for myself: don’t react emotionally when you hear these stories, but have I followed that [...]
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