Kids

Back-to-School Tips for 2022

Back-to-School Tips for 2022

Parents and children already endure an incredible number of challenges when it comes to education, and the pandemic added to those challenges. Schools around the world put COVID-19 protocols in place for the foreseeable future and special education facilities have increased the protection of their students returning back to school. 

These new changes can be a struggle for students and teachers, especially those with special needs and coexisting conditions, including cerebral palsy. Now that learning is back to in-person, students with disabilities can return to regular socialization and access to vital resources. 

Common challenges associated with remote learning for children with disabilities include taking those children out of their regular routines and dramatically reducing one-on-one learning and in-person socialization with students in the classroom.

Just as the pandemic brought challenges, there were also many brilliant new ideas that came to fruition. Many different resources helped students during these times, and they can still be used in the classroom, enhancing their digital learning experience. When we factor in-person learning into their daily routine, these tips can be crucial for a positive learning experience.

Dr. Siambanes asks parents of children with cerebral palsy to consider including the following items in their child’s in-person learning checklist:

  • Make sure any items your child needs are packed ahead of time (assistive devices, adaptive equipment, etc.)
  • Pack extra face masks and hand sanitizer
  • Review the school calendar daily, monitoring any changes to the schedule
  • Know your child’s educational team thoroughly, and keep in contact with them
  • Ask for assistance if you are unsure of new protocols

When ensuring educational success, it is critical to take important changes and specialty programs into account. Make sure to stay in contact with the recommended professionals, while writing down all your questions, concerns, and needs.

Returning to school can be nerve-wracking for the parent and child, especially when factoring in COVID-19. This has been a difficult time for many and understanding the resources you and your child have at school is very important. Transitional changes can be navigated with the right help from your child’s educational team. 

If you or your child begin feeling overwhelmed or stressed, understand there are people on the special education team for that reason. Many teachers are happy to help and have prior experience with these feelings. It is always okay to reach out for help.

It is important to monitor your child’s feelings and behaviors to identify potential issues, including:

  • Behavioral changes
  • Grade changes
  • Developmental changes
  • Emotional changes

While this may seem like a lot to digest, you will be better prepared for situations that arise. Problems may occur, but you can rest assured that you and your child’s educational team can navigate these problems together. 

By having a strong support system in your child’s family life and educational life, you can learn how to set your child up for success. Many of these things can help your student begin to realize that they can do anything they set their mind to, the opportunities are limitless.

September 5, 2022 , ,
Back-to-School Tips for 2022
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How swimming can help kids with cerebral palsy beat the summer heat, play with friends and improve their overall health

How swimming can help kids with cerebral palsy beat the summer heat, play with friends and improve their overall health

Children with cerebral palsy do not have to be excluded from summer fun with friends and family, and one way to get the kids in the neighborhood together for an inclusive activity is to go swimming. After all, who doesn’t love swimming in the dog days of summer? 

Children with CP can greatly benefit from swimming with proper supervision by a caregiver or therapist, and with flotation devices, if necessary.

“Because we are more buoyant in water, the effects of gravity decline, providing ideal conditions for those with cerebral palsy to stretch and extend muscles and joints with less resistance than one would experience out of the water,” said Dr. David Siambanes, founder of Children’s Cerebral Palsy. “More freedom of movement when swimming means a larger range of motion that can actually help those with CP make progress in their maneuverability.” 

Swimming also has fantastic rehabilitative qualities for those with CP. A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that for children ages five through 13 with CP who swam for two hours per week gained gross motor function in just six weeks. 

Children with CP also benefit from the overall health effects of swimming, which is a cardiovascular workout that also builds muscle strength. 

Through swimming and other physical activities, kids with CP — and all of us — can improve metabolic rates, increase blood circulation and joint range of motion, improve bone density, fend off anxiety and stress, and boost our energy levels. 

For more information on swimming and other physical activities that can benefit those with Cerebral Palsy, contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy today! 

August 8, 2022 ,
How swimming can help kids with cerebral palsy beat the summer heat, play with friends and improve their overall health
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Ways New Assistive Technology Can Assist Your Child with CP

Ways New Assistive Technology Can Assist Your Child with CP

Assistive technology is any device — electronic or not — that helps maintain, increase or improve functional living for individuals with a disability or impairment. With technological advances happening rapidly, they can be modified and applied to those living with disabilities, as well. These new technologies can improve communication, mobility, learning capabilities and hearing. By using these devices, families can better help their children at home, in school, and during fun activities.

New Assistive Technology at Home 

Some aspects of home life can be difficult when someone in the family lives with cerebral palsy. It is important to utilize the components that work for you and your family and eliminate those that don’t. Family members with disabilities can face a number of unique challenges, and the following devices can be utilized to make life a bit easier:

  • Plates and bowls with non-slip bottoms
  • Adaptive scissors and art supplies
  • Non-skid rugs
  • Automated assistive devices
  • Automated tables and chairs
  • Specialized bathroom devices to encourage independence and confidence

New Assistive Technology in School Environments

Many special education schools and teachers form an Individualized Education Plan for each student. These plans can include assistive devices tailored to the needs of the student. These devices can include:

  • Vision aids – magnifying sheets to assist in reading, as well as text-to-speech programs on computers that can read words aloud for children with hearing challenges.
  • Communication devices – some devices can help a child choose words, letters, or pictures to convey what he or she wants to say. There is also eye-tracking software that helps the user select the appropriate items.
  • Transportation aids – these devices can consist of wheelchairs or powered scooters that can further help a child with their movement in school and beyond.

Overall, assistive technology can be used universally. It is important to include everyone in these new ideas that come into society so that anyone who is interested can get involved. Equal opportunities are crucial for everyone, and children who have Cerebral Palsy can have a difficult time participating in things. By removing these barriers, these children can have the same opportunity! They can thrive and break through social, physical, and cultural stereotypes. By using assistive technology, parents can set their children up for success. Children with Cerebral Palsy can and do have brilliant futures ahead.

 

July 11, 2022 , ,
Ways New Assistive Technology Can Assist Your Child with CP
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Protecting Cerebral Palsy Children from Omicron Variant

Protecting Cerebral Palsy Children from Omicron Variant

The COVID-19 Omicron variant has been rapidly spreading and affecting children, especially those who are being hospitalized. This variant is highly contagious and spreading quickly, which is a serious factor for the families that have a child with cerebral palsy (CP).  

A major concern for parents or caregivers of children who suffer with CP is the COVID-19 pandemic and the new Omicron variant. Families have stopped their extracurricular activities, limited the guests that are welcomed in their home and fear that their lives are never going to become normal again. Most parents are more distressed over the fact that their children won’t be able to live to their full potential. 

Throughout the pandemic, especially now with the second surge of the Omicron variant, children with CP haven’t been able to communicate or gather with other children. They have only attended online school, and in reality, they only leave their house for doctor’s appointments. People fear this is affecting their children’s mental health and sociability. 

It is recommended to continue wearing a mask in any public facility, especially parents that have to go to work, visit the grocery store or run other immediate errands. This will be beneficial to your own health and your child’s when returning home. It is highly valuable to keep the home of someone who suffers CP extremely safe and clean. 

Mental health is a serious concern throughout the pandemic and in particular, children with CP who have been restricted from returning to normal activities due to the new variant . Dr Siambanes has provided helpful tips on improving a child’s mental health of those who suffer from cerebral palsy throughout the pandemic.

  • Outside Activities. Going on daily walks, or meeting friends at the park can drastically improve one’s health. Time spent outdoors is vital to a child’s happiness and can instantly boost their mood. It is safe to go outside and wave to friends at the park as long as you continue to follow the regulations of remaining six feet apart.  
  • Take breaks. Staying away from phones, computers, tablets and televisions is important. Staring at screens all day can be very detrimental to a child’s mental health. Take time to relax, breathe and meditate to stay positive throughout this time. 
  • Keep up with daily care. Make sure to continue staying up to date on your child’s physical care. Dr. Siambanes recommends keeping a physical or digital calendar if they take medicine, have exercises or therapy they need to follow, or have regularly-scheduled doctor’s appointments.
  • Eat Healthy. Continuing to eat healthy can become difficult in quarantine or lockdown, but it is a key element in staying healthy because it strengthens your immune system and creates a more balanced mood. 

While these tips are a general guideline to help maintain mental and physical health, each child’s case of CP is unique and should be tailored to the individual. Those who suffer with cerebral palsy all need different medical attention so, if you notice any serious concerns please reach out to your primary care physician. If you have any other questions or concerns contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy today.

January 26, 2022 ,
Protecting Cerebral Palsy Children from Omicron Variant
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About Dr. Siambanes

Dr. Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is fellowship trained in both pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities. His passion for addressing the needs of disabled children has led to his expertise in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy.

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Helping Children & Families

  • I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Siambanes to see if my daughter was a candidate for scoliosis surgery. The results following her surgery were fantastic! She flew through surgery and came home only 4 days after! She now sits up straight, her incision has healed beautifully and there were no complications. I cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Siambanes for the amazing surgery he performed on my daughter. He alone took her on when no one else would touch her and now her life has been prolonged and she has a much better quality of life.

    Mrs. Wakizaka

  • As a parent, hearing your child needs corrective surgery that includes placing rods and screws in the body, a five day hospital stay and three weeks of recovery can be overwhelming to say the least. Dr. Siambanes and his wonderful staff eased 100% of the stress and worry while making what was in my mind a harrowing ordeal equal to an afternoon visit to the dentist. The hospital staff was attentive and eager to help in anyway possible. My son’s recovery has gone so well and he has healed so quickly, family and friends are amazed he even had surgery.

    Mrs. McKinnon

  • We would like to thank you for all you have done for our granddaughter. Not to very long ago things were not looking very good for Alyssa. That has all changed because of you. You have given her back her future. Thank you so very much. God bless you and keep you.

    Mr. & Mrs. Wajenhurst