As parents, we all think about the future of our children. This ranges from early development, school age, and teens to early adulthood to launch children into independent lives. For parents of children who have paralysis, the planning needs to be shaped a bit differently.
Self-care should be thought about as your individual child’s abilities and needs are developed. For instance, infants with neurogenic bladder and bowel issues will need intermittent catheterization and bowel programs rather than diapers. Toilet training occurs usually around ages two to three when a child gains control over the lower spinal cord nerves. For a child with paralysis, self-catheterization and bowel programs are usually taught before school entry although based on your child’s abilities, this can be earlier or later. Children that do not have the physical or developmental ability for toileting should be taught the steps so they know what should be done and how toileting processes are carried out for them.
There are many devices that can be purchased for self-feeding. With the help of an occupational therapist, you will be able to discern what equipment will be needed from built-up utensils and plate guards to apparatuses that assist with reducing gravity for self-feeding.
Skincare is another issue that should be a natural part of your child’s normal day. Include your child in performing skin checks. This promotes the habit. Help them find a change in pigmentation and what to do about it. Keeping your child’s skin healthy, without scars from skin breakdown will allow a better quality of life as an adult.