RESOURCES
Are you interested in learning more about Cerebral Palsy? Below, you’ll find some books, websites, and other resources that take a deeper dive into CP. These are resources I often go back to and reference in my podcast and blog. Feel free to share with anyone you think might benefit, and also feel free to send me any other resources you think I should look at and add to this page.
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REGIONAL CENTERS OF CALIFORNIA
If you live in California, you may qualify for services from a regional center. Regional centers are non-profits that provide or coordinate services and support for families and individuals with developmental disabilities. They have 21 offices throughout California to offer local resources and help find and access the many services available to individuals with disabilities and their families.
To learn more about regional centers and where you can find the nearest one near you, please refer to this website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/
BOOKS
Spastic Diplegia - Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
This is a book that I wish my mom had had access to when I was growing up because I know it would have helped her better understand my condition. This book is relevant to those at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels 1-3: people who can walk independently or with a handheld device. It addresses how spastic diplegia develops over time and explains the evidence-based, best-practice treatments to deal with spastic diplegia. At the end of every chapter, it provides web links and other reference materials to understand the topic in each chapter. It is a one-stop shop for anyone seeking to understand spastic diplegia better.
Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide for Caregiving
As the name says, this book is a comprehensive and complete guide to understanding Cerebral Palsy. Each chapter addresses a different topic, from pain to temperature to how to make it easier for teens with CP to transition to adulthood.
The Cerebral Palsy Toolkit: From Diagnosis to Understanding
I love how easy it is to read and navigate this book! It was written by a parent, Michele Shusterman, for parents or family members who care for someone with cerebral palsy. It is filled with easy-to-digest information and resources. One of my favorite sections is section 4, which discusses, “Who else has CP?” Growing up, I knew of nobody else who also had Cerebral Palsy, which made me feel lonely. It is important to know of others with diagnoses similar to ours because that makes us feel seen and understood. The book has also been translated into Spanish and Portuguese.
WEBSITES
The following three websites provide excellent resources for individuals, parents, family members, or partners of someone with CP. They provide extensive information about CP, from statistics to the latest research, treatments, living with Cerebral Palsy, and many other topics relating to CP. I often refer to these three websites.