As your child grows, continue with the suggestions from earlier years and add new activities and responsibilities as appropriate

PARENTING AND SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE

SOCIAL

SELF CARE

EDUCATION

HEALTH

BIRTH TO 3 YEARS 4 TO 6 YEARS 7 TO 11 YEARS 12 TO 16 YEARS 17 AND BEYOND

WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

A TIMETABLE FOR

Let your child know the world is a good place

Enjoy your child, have a good time

Take short breaks from your child to renew your energy

Apply for child and family allowances www.centrelink.gov.au

Apply for Better Start funding for early intervention services www.betterstart.net.au

Get involved in community activities that include children with and without special needs e.g. join your local playgroup

Talk to families of children with and without special needs

Take your child to playgrounds and parks

When your child develops an awareness of wet or soiled nappies, you may consider toilet training Your child may need extra support

Promote developmental activities e.g. play with your child, read to them and listen to music together Make enquiries at your local preschools in preparation for enrolment (discuss any special requirements that your child may have) At 3 years of age contact the Department of Education to discuss your child’s special needs in preparation for starting school

Develop good relationships with your GP, medical specialists and other health professionals

Keep a record of your child’s medical history and keep copies of reports and results

Give your child choices so they learn to make decisions

Teach your child the consequences of their behaviours and choices

Let your child explore what they like to do by exposing them to different leisure activities Invite children who are your child’s age to your home to play Enquire about eligibility for: Disabled parking permit www.rta.nsw.gov.au Taxi vouchers www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ttss Companion card www.nswcompanioncard.org.au

Teach your child everyday skills like brushing their teeth

Teach your child self care skills related to their special needs

Give your child chores that match their abilities

When enrolling your child for school, request a meeting with teaching staff prior to commencement, to discuss your child’s individual needs

Keep a record of your child’s educational history and maintain regular contact with their teachers

Teach and educate your child about Cerebral Palsy and their special needs, at an age appropriate level

Let your child make mistakes

Teach your child to speak up for themselves

Promote independence Take time to let your child do for themselves whatever they are able to do

Encourage hobbies, sport and leisure activities

Encourage your child to make friends

Support your child’s participation in community activities, without parents, when possible

Explore opportunities for sports: www.wsnsw.org.au

Take your child shopping Take your child on public transport

Teach your child their personal information such as address, phone number etc

Let your child choose how to spend some or all of their money e.g. pocket or birthday money

Let your child do their homework independently. Support your child with homework by letting them tell you when help is needed

Begin asking your child what they want to be when they grow up

Ask your child what they know about their special needs and fill in the gaps in their understanding

Help your child talk directly with doctors and other health professionals

Advocate for yourself

Talk about sexual development and relationships Look for older role models Use your parents as a resource

Reapply for benefits through Centrelink before turning 16 years From age 15 you can apply for your own medicare card www.medicare.gov.au

Join teams and social clubs at school

Become involved in activities outside of school

Hang out with friends Access appropriate online communities e.g. www.livewire.org.au Ignition mentoring program, Cerebral Palsy Alliance www.cerebralpalsy.org.au

Direct your own personal routines Learn to cook (with family or at school) Start to find your way around the community Talk with your parents about where you will live as an adult Consider learning to drive www.cerebralpalsy.org.au (under transition toolkit)

Take part in meetings about your education and keep a record Talk about career interests Find volunteer work or a part time job

Investigate Post School Programs www.adhc.nsw.gov.au

Begin to look for adult health care providers Attend some of your medical appointments alone Start to make your own medical appointments and keep a record of your medical history Consider mental health support www.beyondblue.org.au www.reachout.com.au

Get referred to or make contact with a Transition Care Coordinator

Transfer to an adult health care professional (GP or rehabilitation specialist)

Get a copy of your discharge summary, x-rays and scans

Become a mentor or resource for younger children

Start thinking about guardianship issues

Useful resources: TAD (Technical Aid to the Disabled) www.TADnsw.org.au

Family Planning NSW www.fpnsw.org.au

Find out about community programs for adults that match your leisure or athletic interests

Keep in touch with friends from high school or camp by phone or email and make plans www.bestbuddies.org.au

Continue to develop independent living skills Plan and prepare meals Practice budgeting and banking skills

Look into housing choices (including home and community care )

Plan to go to TAFE or university

Contact Centrelink for help with job search and training

Contact Cerebral Palsy Alliance for resources and training opportunities www.cerebralpalsy.org.au Investigate post school education training and employment opportunities http://pubsites.uws.edu.au/ ndco/index.htm