Welcome
Start exploring here! We hope this will be a useful resource to help you find the information you need about cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. We want to help you to find answers to your questions – so please let us know what else you would like us to cover. Here we are presenting videos, summaries, research information and other resources.
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Ways we can help
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Family-friendly Books
Discover our collection of family-friendly books featuring accessible, research-based insights. These titles include the perspectives of families and individuals with lived experience, offering valuable guidance while supporting parents on their journey.
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Free Chapters
We have selected a range of chapters from our books, offering helpful insights and practical tips. Our chapters summaries highlight key points. View the full chapter to explore each topic in more depth.
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The Knowledge Bank
Explore the answers to your questions here. Find out more about conditions, treatments, interventions, and all aspects of care. Follow signposts to find more in-depth, evidence-based information from Mac Keith Press content, as well as other great sources of knowledge.
4
Plain Language Summaries
Plain language summaries are an effective way of communicating scientific research to a wider audience. By presenting the key findings and significance of a study in easy-to-understand language, the content becomes more accessible to more people. Here we present summaries of papers published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN).
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Helpful Videos
Here you will find a collection of short videos from authors and editors summarising their work. They cover Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN) articles, Mac Keith Press books and e-learning. The aim of the videos is to help viewers get a clear understanding of why the research is important, how it was carried out, and real-world implications.
Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series
The goal of the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series is to empower families through a greater understanding of their condition and therefore help optimize outcomes for children, adolescents and adults living with these childhood-acquired and largely lifelong conditions.
Scoliosis: Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic and other Nonidiopathic Types
“I highly recommend this impactful book for families and professionals working in the field of scoliosis.”
Ann Marie Sutton, Parent of daughter with scoliosis, US
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Epilepsy
“Finally! A book that truly helps families understand epilepsy. As a mother of a special needs child with epilepsy, I found Epilepsy to be an invaluable resource. This book skillfully combines medical insights with heartfelt stories, addressing the real-life challenges families like ours face every day. … I wish I had this book at the beginning of my journey. It’s a must-read for any family navigating life with epilepsy.”
Colleen Peterson, parent of son with Wolf-Hirshhorn and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, USA
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Spastic Diplegia
“This is an indispensable guidebook for navigating spastic diplegia, as it is written for families with the condition. It imparts a deep understanding of the medical science and treatment pathways, supported by comprehensive evidence-based references and information resources. The author’s generous sharing of her and her son’s journey, and those of many others, provides valuable sign-posting, hope, and inspiration for the reader.”
Jean and John Glynn, parents of a son with spastic diplegia, Ireland
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Spastic Hemiplegia
“As someone with right spastic hemiplegia, I was amazed by how much of the information was relevant to my memories of childhood therapy appointments and doctor visits. I deeply enjoyed reading the testimonies of those with CP, and I felt recognized inside their stories. From small things like official medical terminology to detailed explanations on why I was receiving certain treatments as a child, this book helped me not only recontextualize my own experiences but also prepared me to be a better medical advocate for myself moving into adulthood.”
Emmalynne Shumard, Student; Adult with spastic hemiplegia, US
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Spastic Quadriplegia
“This book presents clear and concise explanations and eliminates the confusion caused by misinformation online. It has helped me realize that we are not alone; there are other families just like ours experiencing the same highs and lows, joys and sorrows. It will provide comfort and hope to families striving to adjust to a new and oftentimes difficult diagnosis.”
Kristen Stier, Mother of a young adult with spastic quadriplegia, US
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Craniosynostosis
“This is an excellent and informative book that is both clear and factual. It serves as a valuable resource for families, providing them with essential knowledge about craniosynostosis and empowering them to engage confidently with medical and health professionals. The personal stories included offer hope and reassurance, reminding families that they are not alone in their journey. This is the book I wish I had when my son was diagnosed with sagittal craniosynostosis in 2019.”
Elaine L. Kinsella, Parent; Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor in Psychology, University of Limerick, Ireland
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Idiopathic Scoliosis
“This book is great for anyone on this journey! Our daughter was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis right before she started kindergarten, and we were so worried and overwhelmed, and had so many questions. We wish we had this book during that time as it answers so many questions. We still have many questions and this book helps us pave a path today and for the future.”
Amber Marlatt, Parent of daughter with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, US
Click on ‘Buy Now’ to find out more!
Free chapter downloads
Feeding and Nutritional Management Strategies
Nutrition and Neurodisability highlights managing feeding and nutrition in children with neurological impairments. Chapter 9 highlights how a multidisciplinary team approach can improve feeding safety and efficiency, addressing issues like dysphagia, poor nutrition, and gastrointestinal problems. Interventions include oral nutrition support, tube feeding, and caregiver training.
Personal experiences from a young person with visual impairment, Holly Tuke
This chapter is a personal account by Holly Tuke, a woman with retinopathy of prematurity, which caused blindness. Despite challenges with accessibility and independence, Holly excelled academically with support and assistive technology. Now a university graduate, she works in the charity sector and runs a successful blog, advocating for disability awareness.
Cerebral Palsy: Through the Eyes of Parents
Parents raising children with complex cerebral palsy (CP) face emotional, practical, and social challenges, including balancing caregiving with personal needs. Support from clinicians, fostering the child’s independence, and improving quality of life through recreational activities are essential. Long-term care planning and focusing on the child’s interests are also important.
Life with and for a Person with Down Syndrome
Families of children diagnosed with Down syndrome often face concerns about health, development, and support. It’s essential to deliver the diagnosis with care and provide accurate, up-to-date information. Early health assessments, addressing feeding challenges, and fostering development are key to helping children thrive, supported by love, encouragement, and healthcare guidance.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
‘Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of the development
of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed
to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant
brain. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances
of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behaviour,
by epilepsy, and by secondary musculoskeletal problems.’ This is the official (2007) definition – read the full chapter to find out much more.
How to Promote a Physically Active Lifestyle Across the Lifespan
The Knowledge Bank
Explore the answers to your questions here. Find out more about conditions, treatments, interventions, and all aspects of care. Follow signposts to find more in-depth, evidence-based information from Mac Keith Press content, as well as other great sources of knowledge.
What are the main treatment options for scoliosis?
Treatment options for scoliosis can range from nonsurgical methods, such as observation with repeat X-rays, to surgical methods, such as spinal fusion.
What are the main treatment options for scoliosis?
This answer is adapted from the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series book on Scoliosis. For more information see Scoliosis – Congenital Neuromuscular, Syndromic, and Other Nonidiopathic Types.
Treatment options for scoliosis can range from nonsurgical methods, such as observation with repeat X-rays, to surgical methods, such as spinal fusion. Treatment options include the following:
- Observation: Regular spine X-rays and clinical exams with a spine specialist to monitor scoliosis curve for possible progression.
- Bracing: A spinal brace that applies corrective forces to the spine to slow or stop scoliosis curve progression.
- Casting: A full-torso cast (hardened plaster or fiberglass that must be cut off to remove) that applies corrective forces to the spine to improve the scoliosis curve (decrease the Cobb angle) or slow or stop scoliosis curve progression.
- Surgery: Surgery performed to prevent future progression and improve the scoliosis curve (decrease the Cobb angle). There are many types of scoliosis surgery. The most common type is spinal fusion, defined as fusing (joining together) two or more vertebrae in the spine; screws and metal rods are typically used to hold the spine in the straightened position and facilitate fusion between bones.
As the child grows, the risk of scoliosis progression may increase or decrease, resulting in treatment plans changing. It is common for an individual to undergo multiple treatment types over the course of their childhood and adolescence. For example, an individual may be observed for a period of time, then prescribed bracing treatment if their curve progresses.
The appropriate treatment chosen and the related goals depend primarily on individual patient goals and specific treatment indications. Indications include, but are not limited to, size of the curve, risk of curve progression, and skeletal maturity of the child.
Treatment indications and goals may vary at other hospitals and treatment centers. Surgical guidelines are general and depend on the surgery type and clinical practice continually evolves.
It is important to note that for most individuals, scoliosis cannot be “cured” (i.e., to achieve a Cobb angle less than 10 degrees). For some children with infantile idiopathic scoliosis, their curve may spontaneously resolve, or casting treatment can reduce the curve to less than 10 degrees, but that is the exception. The more common outcome and realistic goal is to have a small enough residual curve after treatment that will not adversely affect quality of life.
Purchase ‘Scoliosis: Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic and other Nonidiopathic Types’.
Preview full content of the book via Flipbook.
How will scoliosis affect my child’s day-to-day life?
Research shows that individuals treated for scoliosis have physical activity levels comparable to the general population, and most report good mental and social health.
How will scoliosis affect my child’s day-to-day life?
This answer is adapted from the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series book on Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Research shows that individuals treated for scoliosis have physical activity levels comparable to the general population, and most report good mental and social health.
Potential challenges include:
- Physical discomfort and limitations: Bracing, a common treatment, may cause heat, pressure, and physical discomfort while the brace is being worn. The brace is removed for sports and physical activity. Full-time brace wear can negatively affect quality of life, including emotional stress and social isolation, especially in adolescents.
- Psychosocial impact: Adolescents may feel self-conscious about their appearance, experience embarrassment, or avoid social interactions due to concerns about being different from peers.
- Activity restrictions: Post-surgery recovery involves temporary limitations, such as avoiding twisting, bending, lifting over 10 lb (4.5 kg), or participating in contact sports for several weeks to months. However, these are temporary and part of the healing process. Once healing has happened, most activities can be resumed without restriction or limitation.
While scoliosis may require temporary adjustments—such as wearing a brace or following temporary post-surgical restrictions—the long-term outlook is very positive. With proper treatment, most children can expect to live full, active lives with minimal impact on their daily routines and overall well-being.
Will scoliosis get worse over time?
Scoliosis does not always worsen, but it can progress over time—especially in people whose curves are larger, who are still growing, or who have other risk factors. However, some curves do show a tendency for rapid change, so monitoring is essential to detect any worsening promptly just as each person is unique, so too is the behavior of each scoliosis curve, and the only way for the spine specialist to understand that behavior is through observation. For curves smaller than 20° the risk of rapid progression is lower, so many patients are managed by observation with regular X‑rays and clinical exams to catch any change early.
Will scoliosis get worse over time?
This answer is adapted from the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series book on Scoliosis. For more information see Scoliosis – Congenital Neuromuscular, Syndromic, and Other Nonidiopathic Types.
Scoliosis does not always worsen, but it can progress over time—especially in people whose curves are larger, who are still growing, or who have other risk factors. However, some curves do show a tendency for rapid change, so monitoring is essential to detect any worsening promptly just as each person is unique, so too is the behavior of each scoliosis curve, and the only way for the spine specialist to understand that behavior is through observation. For curves smaller than 20° the risk of rapid progression is lower, so many patients are managed by observation with regular X‑rays and clinical exams to catch any change early.
Research studies that follow individuals who have not had any intervention are called “natural history studies.” Natural history studies suggest that scoliosis treatment is necessary, and that the timing of treatment is important for best outcomes. Early scoliosis treatment is important to:
- Prevent or delay the need for surgical intervention
- Optimize growth and development of chest and lungs, especially for
individuals with EOS - Minimize surgical risks as individuals with smaller curves are less likely to experience surgical complications than are individuals with larger curves
Not all treatment options are appropriate for every individual. Recommendations for scoliosis treatment are made by identifying the size and location of the curve, age, and risk of the curve progression.
Purchase ‘Scoliosis: Congenital, Neuromuscular, Syndromic and other Nonidiopathic Types’.
Preview full content of the book via Flipbook.
Did anything cause the scoliosis or make it worse – heavy backpack, the mattress they sleep on, their activities?
No —there is no evidence that heavy backpacks, sleeping on a specific mattress, physical activities, or poor posture cause or worsen idiopathic scoliosis.
Did anything cause the scoliosis or make it worse – heavy backpack, the mattress they sleep on, their activities?
This answer is adapted from the Gillette Children’s Healthcare Series book on Idiopathic Scoliosis.
No —there is no evidence that heavy backpacks, sleeping on a specific mattress, physical activities, or poor posture cause or worsen idiopathic scoliosis.
Parents and children often wonder if certain actions caused the condition, but the answer is a clear “no.” Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of unknown cause (“idiopathic” literally means “of unknown cause”), and while some family predispositions (having parents or siblings with idiopathic scoliosis) may increase risk, the listed factors are not associated with its development or progression.
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Plain Language Summaries
Plain language summaries are an effective way of communicating scientific research to a wider audience. By presenting the key findings and significance of a study in easy-to-understand language, the content becomes more accessible to individuals with disabilities, parents, caregivers, and others. Here we present summaries of papers published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN).
Sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy and their parents
The study found that sleep problems are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 0 to 11 years. The most common problems reported by parents were: daytime fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, and early-morning waking. Children with CP were also more likely to have sleep problems than typically developing children, and children with CP who cannot walk were more severely affected by sleep problems than children with CP who can walk.
Quality of life in caregivers of a child with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe forms of epilepsy that usually start during infancy. There are many types of DEE, making each specific diagnosis extremely rare. Children with a DEE typically have seizures that are hard to treat and that impact their development and learning. Other symptoms may include feeding difficulties, movement problems, and features on the autism spectrum.
Experiences of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder taking methylphenidate
Understanding the experiences of adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and taking ritalin and other stimulant medication is crucial in order to improve medical counselling to them. A central theme in these experiences is adolescents’ self-esteem and their sense of control on their body and life.
Epilepsy and cannabis: so near, yet so far
In 2018, the UK government changed the law so that cannabis-based medicines could legally be prescribed. Since then, very few prescriptions have been issued. Why is this?
Some children with epilepsy have seizures that respond very poorly to standard medications and their quality of life suffers. CBMPs may have an important role in helping those children. There are many forms of CBMPs and one medicine, cannabidiol, now has a license for some rare types of epilepsy.
Child-led goal setting and evaluation tools for children with a disability: A scoping review
Children with disabilities and delays benefit from being involved in setting and evaluating intervention goals. When goals hold personal value for children, they can feel more motivated to work towards them, which can improve their intervention outcomes. However, in current practice, parents or therapists are most often the primary decision-makers about intervention priorities. Which practices support allied health professionals to involve children with disabilities in goal setting and evaluation?
‘Power in Mobility’: Parent and therapist perspectives of the experiences of children learning to use powered mobility
This study focuses on the importance of mobility for children with mobility impairments and the impact of using powered mobility devices on their development and participation. To gather data, interviews with parents and therapists of children who had recently started using powered mobility devices were analyzed to identify common themes and gain insights into the experiences and perceptions of parents and therapists.
Survival of individuals with cerebral palsy: A Victorian longitudinal cohort study spanning four decades
The aim of this research was to provide an updated description of the death rates, trends in death rates over time, and predictors of deaths of persons with cerebral palsy (CP) who were born in the Australian state of Victoria between 1970 and 2012. The authors found that improvements in survival for those born in the 2000s was likely mainly related to a proportional reduction in complex CP, a finding that is supported by other studies.
Letting Tourette’s be: The importance of understanding lived experience in research and the clinic
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by involuntary movements and sounds that are known as tics. Historically, the focus of biomedical and clinical research and treatment has been on reducing these tics, viewing them primarily as symptoms of a neurological disorder. However, in this article we argue that this approach is too narrow as it does not adequately consider the lived experiences of Tourettic individuals.
UK research priority setting for childhood neurological conditions
In this project, the researchers wanted to find the most important unanswered questions about treatments, or therapies for children and young people with childhood neurological conditions such as epilepsies, cerebral palsy, and many rare conditions. This is called a Priority Setting Partnership. Priority Setting Partnerships aim to help patients, carers, and health professionals work together to agree research priorities. After two rounds of surveys, the top 10 priorities were identified.
Environment-based approaches to improve participation of young people with physical disabilities during COVID-19
Personalized interventions to enhance participation in meaningful activities in everyday environments are recommended for young people with physical disabilities. Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) is one such intervention, focusing on changing the environment (e.g. inaccessibility, limited social support, lack of availability of programs) and coaching young people/parents and community members on removing environmental barriers.
Magic-themed motor training for daily bimanual task performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder of motor and postural development caused by early brain injury. This impairment poses significant challenges for daily physical tasks such as getting dressed, taking a shower, cutting food, etc. The authors of this study undertook a systematic literature review to discover what research has taken place on the effectiveness of magic-themed interventions in improving task performance in both hands in children with unilateral spastic CP.
Helpful videos
Here you will find a collection of short videos from authors and editors summarising their work. They cover Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN) articles, Mac Keith Press books and e-learning. The aim of the videos is to help viewers get a clear understanding of why the research is important, how it was carried out, and real-world implications.
UK research priority setting for childhood neurological conditions| Jill Cadwgan & Rhys Inward |DMCN
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