Emotional and behavioural problems

Some of the following are of course common in all children of nursery age, but in children with hemiplegia they may be markers for more serious difficulties later on.

• difficulty in settling down
• distractibility
• restlessness or fidgeting
• poor memory
• excessive shyness or clinginess
• difficulties with making and keeping friends
• anxiety
• irritability
• aggressiveness

Any of the above should of course be discussed with the parents / carers, and advice sought from any of the professionals working with the family or nursery / pre-school.

All children find starting nursery or reception class tiring, but children with hemiplegia find it more tiring than most, constantly needing to think about what they are doing and how they are going to do it.