How to Find Support Groups for Cerebral Palsy

Support groups can help a person with cerebral palsy or a parent of a child with it to communicate with others who share the same concerns and problems, as well as to share information about treatment and therapies. Finding a support group has become much easier with the help of the Internet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Internet Access

1. Contact the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA). It has valuable information dealing with all aspects of CP and can help you connect with a support group.
2. Ask your primary doctor. He or she may have information about local support groups.
3. Check at the hospital where you or your child receives therapy. Or check at a hospital that has a large physical therapy or rehab program. If you're unfamiliar with your area hospitals, look in the yellow pages. It's still a great source.
4. Ask your physical therapist or speech therapist. Or ask any of the specialists who work with you or your child. They come in contact with many patients and may be aware of support groups.
5. Surf the Web. The UCPA has an extensive Web site. Many of the state branches also have Web sites.
6. Check out Web sites that are devoted to CP. They are numerous, and many have links and reference information.
7. Surf parenting and baby Web sites. Since CP most frequently occurs in childhood and infancy, these sites may offer relevant information as well.
8. Check out consumer health Web sites. Large ones have sections on numerous diseases, disorders and disabilities. Their CP section may have reference and contact information, which can lead you to support groups.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a support group that's reasonably near your home, or your schedule is too full to meet regularly, try a cyber support group. And if you can't find one you like, start your own.