Hi All-
As most of you know, my daughter Jana has very mild CP (toe walker, slow runner, mild balance issues). She wears AFOs in the morning at school and then takes them off at lunch time. She is in regular gym classes with no IEP or 504 plan in place (yet). She is becoming more and more sensitive to her differences and how she is just not as athletically gifted as others. We do focus on her strengths (piano and art), but she still feels bad about her physical limitations. She just turned 7 in January and we are wondering what to do next. Do we look for a support group for her or have her see a therapist??? We are not wanting to pull her from her gym class and adaptive phy ed is not really an option for her either. Does anyone have a suggestion or something that has worked with your child as they got older? I guess we weren't prepared for her to be so aware at such a young age.
Thanks for any help!

Lori

Mommy to ggg born at 29 weeks, 5 days on 1-30-01

Hi Lori,
Is she in a private school, is that why she doesn't have an IEP or 504 plan in plan in place? Just curious why APE is not an option for her. I guess at this point you should ask what she is more comfortable with. Would she like to go to a support group with other kids like her and see how they deal with it or speak to a therapist? She'll probably be more receptive to the method she chooses. Mine are still young but I've been an educator for over 10 years and I am getting my special ed. credential now because 2 of mine have CP one mild one severe. Have you connected with a local parent support group in your area yet?
Deborah Mom to BBB Born at 25 Weeks 1 Day 04/21/05
Austin 1 pound 8 ounces
Braedon 1 pound 11 ounces
Caysen 1 pound 13 ounces

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No, she is not at a private school. We don't have a need for an IEP or 504 yet since she has not needed any adaptations at school. APE is not appropriate for her since her CP is so mild and she is able to do all of the things in regular PE (just at a slower pace). I have made a few calls today and am actually seeking out a mentor for her (just an older child with CP). I think that may be the best route for her although she did show interest in the therapist idea as well. No, we have not joined a parent support group yet. My hubby and I are signed up for a CP seminar at a local hospital at the end of the month. Maybe we will get some info on some local things there. I guess I am not aware of any groups right now although I am sure there are some. I too am a special educator (speech/language therapist), and we will seek out an IEP if needed. Right now we are just trying to help Jana deal with the emotional issues of her disability. Thanks for the info. I think a support group for us (or her) is a great idea!

Lori

Mommy to ggg born at 29 weeks, 5 days on 1-30-01