From the Editor: More Adult Cerebral Palsy Patients

Surprisingly, about 80 percent of persons with cerebral palsy in the US are adults aged 21 or older, according to Murray Goldstein, DO, MPH, medical director for United Cerebral Palsy. There are about 550,000 persons in the US with cerebral palsy; the number of new cases per year has increased 25 percent during the past decade; now there are about 9,750 new cases each year, according to UCP. Approximately 70 percent of cerebral palsy occurs before birth, about 20 percent during birth, and most of the rest within the first two years of life. Considering the marvelous development of brain cells and their amazing journey to their final locations, it's amazing that so many actually make the trip safely and most brains develop without damage. In the first three to five weeks of life, a single layer of cells on the inside of the tiny new brain prepare to reproduce themselves until a hundred billion cells start migrating to their ultimate destination, a journey equivalent to a person traveling on foot from New York to Los Angeles, Goldstein explained, as noted in this month's feature. Although the picture that usually leaps to mind when one thinks of cerebral palsy is a child in a wheelchair or braces, the large number of adult cerebral palsy patients underscores the need for continuing cerebral palsy management throughout adulthood, with all its myriads of challenges to be met for quality of life. The feature article, " Where Are They Now? Orthotic Care of Adult CP Patients ," by Judith Philipps Otto, takes an in-depth look at this vital subject. AACPDM Meets Cerebral palsy is a major focus of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), which is holding its annual meeting this month, September 14-17, in Orlando, Florida. The interdisciplinary group's educational program has as its purpose, "to ensure that the qualified personnel have the skills and knowledge derived from practices that have been determined through research and experience to be successful in serving children with disabilities. The purpose is also to encourage team-building within organizations and institutions, encourage multicenter studies, develop information for parents, and fi nd a consensus on the optimal care of various conditions." Each year AACPDM presents an outstanding program during its annual meeting to help accomplish these objectives. Teenagers Cope with Limb Loss For many teens, things can get a bit tough as they grapple with rapidly changing bodies, mood swings, peer pressure, and questions about where they really want to go in life. Add limb loss to this mix, and the pressure ratchets up. The article, " How To Help Teenagers Cope with Limb Loss ," based on a presentation by ACA President/CEO Paddy Rossbach, RN, during the 2005 Academy meeting, gives practical tips on aiding teens through these difficult years. As summer wanes, the leaves take on bright colors, the sky becomes a deeper blue, and life somehow seems to take on a more serious tone, we hope you will enjoy the information in this issue. As always your comments and opinions are very welcome.

From the Editor: More Adult Cerebral Palsy Patients

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From the Editor: More Adult Cerebral Palsy Patients

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Focus on Advocacy: The 2005 ACA Annual Educational Conference & Exposition

ACA Announces Award Winners

ACA Announces Award Winners

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Product Technical Specialist

Restoring Hope & Freedom + Mobility

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