For a parent, a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy in their child brings with it additional emotional demands and stresses, the possibility of lifting and carrying for many years, along with pain, guilt, bewilderment and fear. They will have to cope daily with able bodied people taking parking spaces designated for them, health professionals patronising them and a world that in the main, does not care about disabled people and their inclusion. 

They have many new things to learn in order to care for their child and to help them achieve their fullest potential, whatever that may be. Everything is over and above that of caring for a non-disabled child, for example, they will worry more about their child's future and will also start worrying about it much earlier. Will their child be able to go to mainstream school or not? Even the child has the ability, if there isn't access they will have to decide whether to do battle or go for the option that doesn't involve yet another fight.

There are many ways in which you can help to relieve, or indeed, not add to the stresses they face:

Offer assistance - this might be taking out or baby sitting other siblings or the disabled child. 

Listen to what they tell you - take it in. They might be trying to tell you something subtly.

Be honest - about your thoughts/feelings towards the child, obviously trying not to cause offence. Some people with disabled children prefer not to talk about it,  many would like to talk but think others might feel uncomfortable.

Ask questions - if you do not know what parents need from you, simply ask them, especially if you are wanting to help. You might even consider finding out more about the disability. 

Have patience! - appreciate that they may be late, everything takes more time and there can often be more unpredictable events that cause delay.

Be considerate and thoughtful - if you invite them over and the child is mobile for example, or in a wheelchair, think about how they will get around your home. Are there any obstructions by the doors that needn't be there, these things are often overlooked. No-one is suggesting you re-arrange you house, but if they are regular visitors, you may want to make a few changes to make things as easy as possible.

Be realistic not over optimistic - a child with Cerebral Palsy will never grow out of it and it doesn't help when people suggest that they will. Friends and family often do this as a way of trying to help but it doesn't and can sometimes make parents angry because it feels as though people aren't listening to what they tell them.

Be there - parents often feel alone in their struggles to bring up their disabled child. They go through a great deal of emotional turmoil. It can be very therapeutic to have someone to talk to.