Cerebral Palsy: Are Parents Getting the Support They Need? Marking World Cerebral Palsy Day

Written by Jill Heywood, Associate Solicitor 

On World Cerebral Palsy Day, I feel it’s important to share my reflections on the incredible families I work with, the challenges they face, and the support they need to move forward. This year’s theme of uniqueness is so important, because no two cerebral palsy cases are ever the same. I see this first-hand in my work here at Fletchers, where I specialise in cerebral palsy claims.  

Every family has their own story, their own challenges, and their own triumphs. What inspires me most is how these parents manage to balance everything. Their careers, family life, other children, and the full-time care of a child with cerebral palsy. They really are superhuman, and it’s a privilege to stand alongside them.  

In this article, I’ll talk about the different cerebral palsy types, the unique challenges families face, and signpost the various support groups and resources that families can benefit from. Most importantly, I’ll explain how myself and team team make sure every cerebral palsy compensation claim is tailored to the specific circumstances of each family, to secure the best possible outcome for them and their future. 

What is cerebral palsy? 

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It happens when a child’s brain develops abnormally or is damaged during pregnancy, birth, or early childhood. There are several cerebral palsy types, including: 

• Spastic 

• Dyskinetic 

• Ataxic 

• Mixed 

• Hypotonic 

 
Each type of cerebral palsy presents differently. Some children may experience stiff muscles and difficulty walking, while others may face involuntary movements, problems with balance, or poor muscle tone. For parents, understanding the different cerebral palsy types is vital, because it helps them identify the right therapies, equipment, and support for their child’s unique needs. 

Why World Cerebral Palsy Day matters 

World Cerebral Palsy Day is about recognising individuality. For me, the theme of uniqueness reflects everything I do in my work. I’ve never met two children with cerebral palsy who are the same, and no two families require the same support. 

That’s why every case I handle is carefully tailored. Some families need adapted housing or mobility-friendly vehicles; others require specialist therapy, long-term care, or financial security to give them peace of mind about the future. The day itself reminds us that while each journey is different, every family deserves the same opportunity to move forward with confidence. 

One of the cases I have handled is Holly’s story, which is one powerful example. Her case highlighted how important it is to get to know families on a personal level and build a claim around their specific needs. You can learn more about her story in the video below to see the real difference this makes. 

The challenges families face 

Through my work, I’ve seen just how complex and wide-ranging the challenges can be for families living with cerebral palsy. 

• Financial needs – from specialist equipment and mobility-friendly cars to home adaptations such as ramps, hoists, and wet rooms. 

• Care requirements – many families need full-time carers, and the demands can take a huge toll on parents’ careers and finances. 

• Educational struggles – parents often fight hard to secure specialist schooling or additional resources within mainstream education. 

• Emotional strain – the constant battle for support can impact parents’ mental health, relationships, and even siblings in the family. 

What makes it particularly tough is how much of their time is consumed with accessing statutory services. Families often tell me that everything feels like a fight, whether that’s getting therapies approved, chasing equipment, or dealing with expert reports and unhelpful defendants. Part of my role is to relieve that burden by guiding them through the legal process in a way that fits around their lives. I take a flexible approach to communication – sometimes with late calls or flexible emails. But I also build personal relationships with families to help understand the complexities of their case on a deeper level.  

Every family affected by cerebral palsy is unique, but one thing I always see is resilience. Parents are determined to give their child the best possible chance in life, even when the system feels against them. 

Embracing our uniqueness 

Every child and family living with cerebral palsy has a journey that is uniquely their own. No two cerebral palsy claims are ever the same, which is why it is so important that every case is tailored to the family’s circumstances. What remains constant, though, is the need for personalised support that gives parents and children the best possible future. 

For me, building that personal relationship and gaining a deeper understanding of the family is essential. I take the time to really understand the day-to-day challenges families face, whether that’s the financial strain of specialist equipment and mobility-friendly cars, or the emotional toll that comes with caring responsibilities. All of this is important when building the case, as it helps me to get the instructions needed to pursue the claim.  

Sometimes this means finding creative solutions to help families capture the evidence needed for their claim. For example, we often ask parents to keep a “sleep diary” to show the level of care their child with cerebral palsy requires at night. This a collaborative process, and involves me working closely with the parents to prompt their memory and create intentional moments to reflect on the activities of the previous night – a hugely important step in building the overall picture. 

But keeping the sleep diary isn’t always straightforward. I had a client recently whose father was the one who got up in the night to his child with cerebral palsy, but he left at 05:00 every morning to go to work. As soon as he got home, he was full on looking after his child with cerebral palsy as well as his other children. By the time he remembered he had to fill in the diary, he had forgotten what had happened the night before. 

To make this easier for him, I set up a daily alarm on his phone to call me during his tea break at work. He talked me through what had happened during the night, and I made a note of this for him. This way, we built a complete and accurate record of the care needs without adding to his already overwhelming responsibilities. 

This kind of flexibility is vital. It shows families that they don’t have to face the process alone and that I will adapt to their unique circumstances. Every cerebral palsy case is different, and my role is to make sure the claim reflects that uniqueness, securing outcomes that give each family the chance to move forward with confidence. 

How we support families at Fletchers 

At Fletchers, our approach is always personal. Every cerebral palsy claim is tailored to the unique circumstances of the child and their family. That means no detail is overlooked, whether it’s securing adapted accommodation, arranging specialist therapy, or making sure parents have access to cerebral palsy support groups for parents. 

Over the years, this approach has helped countless families. We’ve secured: 

• £25 million settlement – providing accommodation, a full care team, and therapies to ensure optimum support. 

• £10 million settlement – covering therapies, adapted accommodation, assistive technology, and educational support. 

• Significant settlement – enabling a family to purchase and adapt a bungalow, access vital therapies, and appoint a case manager. 

Other support for families 

I always remind parents that legal support is only one part of the journey. Families also need practical, emotional, and community-based help to thrive. That’s why I signpost clients to support groups and charities that can provide a safe space to share experiences. These groups can be a lifeline for families affected by cerebral palsy, giving parents connection and advice from others who truly understand. 

At Fletchers, we also work with a range of charity partners, including: 

• Rainbow Hub 

• Peeps H.I.E 

 
By combining expert legal guidance with access to trusted charities and community resources, we make sure parents receive the very best cerebral palsy help, both during their claim and long after it ends. 

Final thoughts 

Working with families affected by cerebral palsy is always inspiring. Each case is a complex, but securing the right outcome makes such a huge difference. While compensation can never undo the sacrifices parents make or the challenges siblings face, it can give families the security they need to look ahead with confidence. 

On World Cerebral Palsy Day, and every day, I’m proud to stand beside these families – fighting for their rights, recognising their uniqueness, and celebrating their incredible resilience.