Children with complex cerebral palsy (typically, but not always, GMFCS levels IV and V) require skilled management and extensive expertise which can be overwhelming or intimidating for many clinical practitioners. This book explores management of the many medical comorbidities these children encounter, including orthopedic concerns, mobility and equipment needs, cognition and sensory impairment, difficult behaviors, seizures, respiratory complications and nutritional challenges, among many others.
Summary points at the end of each chapter provide at-a-glance access to key recommendations. In addition, an Appendix provides adaptable care tools to guide clinicians in evaluation, preventive care and crisis management.
Importantly, the book includes contributions from parents of children with cerebral palsy and youth with cerebral palsy, providing unique and critical wisdom for family-centred care. Parents and families of children and youth with complex cerebral palsy will particularly appreciate the inclusion of chapters on adolescence, transition to adulthood, and growing up, growing well with cerebral palsy.
Laurie Glader is an Assistant Professor at Harvard University Medical School. She trained in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, ultimately focusing on children with medical complexity. Since 1997 she has directed the Complex Care Service Outpatient Program at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH), and provides patients with comprehensive medical care and developmental oversight. Her particular area of interest is children with cerebral palsy and models of care delivery. She is co-director of the large multi-disciplinary Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Center at BCH. She is active in the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.
Richard Stevenson is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics, where he has been on the faculty since 1989. He is an attending pediatrician at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) of the University of Virginia Children's Hospital, caring for children across the range of acquired and congenital disabilities. He is active in clinical care, education, research and administration. He is Past President of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. His main interest and expertise relates to the care of children with cerebral palsy, and he has particular empathy for children with complex needs.
