Spastic Diplegia--Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: Understanding the Motor Problems, Their Impact on Walking, and Management Throughout Life: a Practical Guide for Families

Families can make a huge difference to spastic diplegia outcomes. This is the map parents and caregivers have long needed, to understand this vast territory, orient to where they are, and then chart the best course to their child’s fullest potential. It’s also a guide to the many people they will meet along the way, as they build relationships with multidisciplinary teams, and step into their new role as owners of the condition on their child’s behalf. The book gives a comprehensive account of the gold standard for management and treatment from birth into adulthood, written in collaboration with leading specialists in the field. The scientific and medical detail is rigorously researched, then brought to life with the warm perspective of a parent describing 25 years of navigating daily life and treatment options with her own son. The author explains how her own understanding developed over time, and how she learned to work with doctors, therapists, and others (both in Europe and the U.S.) on her son’s path to self-management. Each chapter is detailed, accessible, empowering, and never dumbed down. We haven’t seen a handbook like this before, connecting what academics and specialists know about spastic diplegia with a perspective on the child (and adult’s) real life at each stage. It’s the work of a scientist, parent, and practical optimist, sharing the kind of knowledge that can transform lives if it lands in the right hands at the right time. Reading it, you realize how many other complex conditions call for a book like this.

Cerebral Palsy was totally new to me when I read this book, and it serves as a wonderful and practical guide. It describes the what and how that Cerebral Palsy affects our lives, from diagnosis to treatment and life management, in a way that is thorough and actually readable. The medical jargon is explained and understandable. I feel as if a friend was guiding me through it, but that friend just happens to be someone with a lifetime of experience and knowledge navigating the latest in treatment. It’s given me food for thought as I consider my and my family’s health and the importance of movement in our lives.

Has your child just been diagnosed with CP, specifically bilateral spastic diplegia? BUY THIS. READ IT COVER TO COVER. My daughter is almost 5 and one of her specialists recommended it for the first time at a recent appointment. I wish I had it 2 years ago when she was first diagnosed!! It is very informative, and written very positively and optimistically, while also being straightforward about the condition, management options, and interventions available. Published in 2020 it is VERY up to date. Highly reccomend.

The author does a great job of explaining and breaking down a complicated range of issues in Cerebral Palsy (CP). I liked that you can jump around in the book based on where you are with the condition. The book has great photos and short chapters, as well as real life experience sprinkled throughout the book. There is a lot of information on the internet about cerebral palsy and it can be overwhelming to make heads of tails of information. This books is a great start for navigating CP. I've not found another book that is just focused on spastic diplegia.

Lily's book is a must read for anyone working with young athletes with CP. Her masterfully written book weaves together a wonderful spirit of optimism with practical tools for parents, educators, coaches and medical professionals. As we look to grow the Paralympic Movement in the United States, Lily’s work is critical to elevating the level of development programs available to young Paralympic hopefuls.

An exceptional book--written with the clarity and precision of a top-class scientist and the compassion and compulsion of a mother who simply wanted to help her son. The author has made it her life's work to understand the condition and its treatment and to share her knowledge with others. It is both a definitive reference book and an inspiring read.

I wish I had this book when my daughter was diagnosed 7 years ago! It is still proving to be an incredible resource and has taught me so much about the disability. A one stop shop for information!

This is a spectacular resource for individuals, families, clinicians, researchers and providers of all types. Chock full of useful information and poignant personal reflections! It is very readable. An easy to use book with cause for optimism for those with this condition.