About Lily
I am the parent of an adult with spastic diplegia (also known as bilateral cerebral palsy). In addition to raising my son, I studied the condition extensively including completing a research study in cerebral palsy for a Master of Science degree. I have written Spastic Diplegia–Bilateral Cerebral Palsy in conjunction with senior medical staff at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. I have three adult sons, and live in Ireland with my husband. I run every day and enjoy fitness, food, reading, and travel.
About this book
Available now on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk!
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of childhood-onset lifelong physical disability. Approximately one-third of those with CP have the subtype spastic diplegia—also known as bilateral spastic CP, or simply bilateral CP. An estimated 6 million worldwide have spastic diplegia. Until now, there has been no book focused on this condition to help this large group of people. The book focuses on the motor problems—problems with bones, muscles, and joints, and their impact on walking. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a five-level system that indicates the severity of the condition. This book is relevant to those at GMFCS levels I to III: those who are capable of walking independently or with a handheld mobility device. These three levels account for the majority of people with spastic diplegia.
The book addresses how spastic diplegia develops over the lifespan and explains the evidence-based, best-practice treatments. It empowers parents of young children, and adolescents and adults with the condition, to become better advocates and co–decision makers in the medical process. The focus of this optimistic, yet practical book is on maximizing activity and participation—living life to its fullest. Health care professionals, educators, students, and extended family members will also benefit from reading this book. Indeed, while this book focuses on spastic diplegia, much of what is addressed also applies to other forms of spastic CP at GMFCS levels I to III, namely hemiplegia and quadriplegia.
This book was written in close collaboration with senior medical experts at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare—a world-renowned center of excellence for CP treatment. It is a long-needed resource for spastic diplegia.
Reviews
This co-developed parent–professional book on the focused topic of spastic diplegia is a must-read for professionals, parents, and the individual with cerebral palsy (CP). The range of the book is “real-world focused” with the latest accurate literature incorporated … It serves a unique educational niche … I am recommending it already!
Dr. Deborah Gaebler-Spira, Director Cerebral Palsy Program, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Professor of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Past President of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Illinois, USA
I needed this book when my son was born almost 15 years ago and didn’t meet his developmental milestones … I needed it when I was conducting my own research without the skill set on what intervention he needed when he was seven years old. I need it now as he ages and has growth spurts and we are researching orthopedic procedures. I will need it when he becomes an adult and lives independently.
Lori Poliski, parent of teenager with spastic diplegia, Marketing Manager, Cerebral Palsy Research Network, Washington, USA
This book is excellent, insightful, and educational: it will open minds and touch hearts. It is very clear and easy to read. As an adult with spastic diplegia, I have learned many new things about my condition from reading it.
Samantha Marie Lademann, adult with spastic diplegia, Minnesota, USA
This book provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of living with bilateral spastic CP …The combination of evidence-based information and personal experience ensures that this book is an engaging and thought-provoking read, which families and health professionals would benefit from owning.
Dr. Jennifer Ryan, Research Lecturer, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
Contact me
By email lily(@)collison.ie or on twitter @lilycollison.
