Information sheets

Here, you'll find all of HemiHelp's leaflets. If you'd prefer to have a paper copy, you can order as many leaflets as you need using our Publications order form, or download our leaflets in pdf format below and print them out.

When reading these leaflets please do bear in mind that the difficulties faced by children and young people with hemiplegia vary enormously in range and severity, and that some leaflets deal with more serious problems, which affect only a minority of people with hemiplegia.

Please also keep an eye on the Latest news section of our website, where we post details of new guides and booklets produced by other organisations.

Hemiplegia

• What is hemiplegia?
  General information on hemiplegia and HemiHelp.
  
• You have just been told your child has hemiplegia
  Information for parents/carers whose child has just been diagnosed.
  
• HemiHelp services
  Find out what support is on offer for those affected by hemiplegia.
  
• Family and friends
  A short introduction to hemiplegia, and how to help a child with hemiplegia, for family and friends.
  
• Brothers and sisters
  What impact can hemiplegia have on the siblings of the affected child?
  

Education

• Early years education
  Guidelines for early years education workers on how to encourage development and independence in children with hemiplegia
  
• Guidelines for teachers - Secondary education
  A booklet for secondary school teachers. Children with hemiplegia face not only physical challenges at school - many of them have additional problems which affect their school lives. The more teachers understand the effects of hemiplegia, the greater the help they can offer the child. Parents and carers also find these booklets give them more insight into their child’s condition.
  
• The inclusion of children with cerebral palsy - including hemiplegia - in early years settings
  HemiHelp, in conjunction with Scope, has produced this leaflet which is a comprehensive run down of guidance for early years workers. Headings include "Handling a child with cerebral palsy", "Changing clothes", "Communication" and "Playing and learning".
  
• Early communication for children with complex needs
  This is also produced in conjunction with Scope and is about early communication for children with complex needs and covers different strategies for communication between the child and their carer. Aimed at those with communication difficulties, it suggests strategies that include equipment and toys and seating and also lists further resources.
  
• Handwriting
  This information sheet has been writting by Rosemary Sassoon, a handwriting specialist, who has produced a number of fonts to help children learn to read and write.
  

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Associated problems

• An introduction to epilepsy for people with childhood hemiplegia
  Over one in five children with hemiplegia also have epilepsy. This leaflet was produced jointly by HemiHelp and the National Society for Epilepsy.
  
• What you see – Visual perceptual difficulties in hemiplegia
  Many children and young people with hemiplegia have difficulty organising the information coming to their brain from their eyes, which can lead to serious problems with everything from drawing a straight line to finding their way about. A look at the problem and how to minimise its effects.
  
• Emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people with hemiplegia This information sheet was written by Robert Goodman, Professor of Brain and Behaviour Medicine at King’sCollege London. the leaflet focuses on the on the difficulties of emotion and behaviour and the help that is out there for families.
  
• Coping with behaviour problems
  Research has demonstrated that problems associated with hemiplegia can be more disabling than the hemiplegia itself and behaviour problems could certainly fall into this category. But how do you cope day to day? Written by a child psychologist these excellent strategies look at how your response can have a huge impact on the child.
  

Treatments

• Botulinum Toxin and Hemiplegia
  A guide to the use of Botulinum Toxin injections as part of a movement therapy programme.
  
• Orthopaedic surgery for hemiplegia
  Hemiplegia often causes tightening of muscles which, if unchecked, can lead to serious deformity in the affected limbs. For some children physiotherapy and possibly splinting are effective in reducing this problem, but for others surgical correction needs to be considered. A Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon discusses the procedures used.
  
• Ankle and foot splints or othoses (AFOs)
  Splinting is one of the most common treatments for the impaired gait often associated with hemiplegia. An experienced orthotist explains the various types of splint and how they work.
  

Everyday living

• Equipment
  From cutlery to climbing frames. An extensive list of things to make the child’s everyday life easier, and where to get them.
  
• Dressing
  Hints on helping the child become more independent, and where to find the clothes that will make it easier.
  
• Shoes
  Finding suitable footwear is one of the most common problems faced by parents and carers of children and young people with hemiplegia. This lists companies who will provide odd sized pairs, Velcro fastenings etc.
  
• Shoe Lacing
  Yes, you can do it one-handed (diagrams supplied). Or do you prefer stretchy laces? All you ever wanted to know about this tricky problem.
  
• Computers and ICT
  Compiled with the help of Abilitynet and teaching advisers, this information sheet offers children and adults with hemiplegia some tips on adapting a computer to meet their needs.
  

Activities

• Getting active
  A look at how HemiHelp members get active and a list of organisations that could help your family access a new sport or hobby.
  
• Staying active
  HemiHelp members share ideas about how to stay active and a list of useful contacts give.
  
• Cycling
  Children of all ages love to ride a bike and children and young people with hemiplegia are no different, though they may take longer to learn and some may need a three-wheeler or other specialised bike. This leaflet will help them get started.
  
• Music
  A weak arm may seem rather a hindrance to playing a musical instrument, but many instruments can be played with one hand, or hands of differing strengths, and the pleasure of music making may encourage the child to make more use of their affected hand.
  
• Driving
  Many people with hemiplegia are able to drive a car, providing it has automatic gears, power steering and steering and indicator adaptations. Where to go for advice, assessment and instruction.
  

Financial help, employment and legislation

• It's for your benefit
  A guide to some benefits, tax credits and other financial help
  
• Guidelines for completing DLA forms
  Straightforward, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the complicated procedure of filling out the Disabled Living Allowance Application Form.
  
• Grants and funding for families and individuals
  A list of organisations offering families with disabled children or adults with disabilities support with everyday living, purchasing musical instruments and much more.
  
• Benefits and financial help for adults
  Some hints on claiming DLA, income-related benefits, guidance on housing and social care and details of financial support for those remaining in education post-16.
  
• Getting into work
  A look at what issues arise when looking for work and some suggestions on how to apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. 
  

Useful contacts

• Useful names and addresses
  Organisations members might find helpful, dealing with everything from benefits to basketball.