Hair Care
A question many of our teens will ask themselves is "How can I do my own hair?" For the important big dance such as homecoming, prom, etc. most girls go out and have their hair done, so that’s easy. The everyday things such as putting your hair back can be an obstacle. With a lot of practice and patience some teens with hemiplegia may be able to put their own hair back. 

• First gather your hair using both hands, the affected as a helper, 
• then use the affected forearm to help hold the hair up and the non-affected to hand to start the first wrap. 
• After that, the thumb or finger of the affected hand can be used to tighten or stabilize the first wrap and the non-affected hand can continue to make the wraps until tight. 
• Using the scrunchies rather than the smaller pony tail holders is a good way to start learning.

Here is a list of some hair accessories that can also be used:

• Banana Clips – long clips that snap together, it’s like two combs that will hold your hair like a pony tail.
• Jaw Clips –  smaller clips which can be used like barrettes.
• Snap Clips – Can also be used as barrettes but just snap rather than having to clip the one end into a small bracket like barrettes do.
• Quick Braid by Conair - Braiding hair is basically out of the question.  This is a battery operated device which will twist two strands of hair giving the look of braids.

Oral Hygiene
For those who have a loss of sensation on one side of their mouth brushing teeth properly can be an issue. There are many electric toothbrushes which will basically do the brushing for you.  Flossing teeth can be difficult just using the string. There are dental floss holders, and also many electric toothbrushes come with an attachment for flossing teeth.

Shoes
Another question that will come up is "What shoes can I wear for the dance?" That one is a tough one, even without a brace on, the teen may wear two different size shoes. Nordstroms will sell you two different size shoes for the price of one.  If the shoe size is only a half a size there is not that much noticeable difference for the general population, but for someone who has a foot affected by hemiplegia it can make a difference.  

For some teens, wearing dress shoes for a long period of time may be painful.  One suggestion is to wear the shoes "for the moment"; most end up taking their shoes off during the dance anyway. Another idea may be ballerina shoes.   

Driving 
Those teens who have their license may want use a disabled parking sticker. There are many places that may involve a lot of walking to get to an entrance gate or building.  For those who live in the winter climate weather conditions may may walking difficult.  Check with your state driver's licensing division for information on disabled parking permits.  More information on adaptive driving.

Traveling 
Yes, the time has come when your teen may go away for a weekend or longer. There are many things that should be considered before they board that bus or airplane.

• Luggage – They almost definitely need the luggage with wheels, it is very difficult for them to handle carrying their luggage. Of course, backpacks work great as the carry on as they don’t carry them either.
• Medication – This can easily be forgotten in the rush to get packed. If they are on medication that must be taken every day it might also be useful to pack two different bottles. Put one in a "special place" just in case the other is misplaced, that way you know that there is definitely enough for the trip.
• Amusement Parks – Many parks have accommodations for the disabled; it usually involves just stopping in and getting a pass. This will allow access to the sites through another entrance. They may also need the use of a wheelchair if a lot of walking is involved. Most major parks publish their accommodation information on their websites.
• Chaperones – Notify all chaperones of all details concerning your child, even the smallest of your concerns while they are away are important, and the chaperones really appreciate it rather than having to find out themselves.  A page printed with a brief medical history, list of medication, physician names and emergency contact phone numbers is useful.  Give one to the chaperone and have your teen keep one with them.
• Friends – They are there to help if needed. There are so many little things that come up that are never thought about until away from home. Having friends who understand your teen's limitations can come in very handy.  Sometimes it is difficult for them to ask for help, but if a friend is there they don’t even have to ask; it is almost automatic. I personally wouldn’t let my daughter go on a trip if she didn’t have friends she already knew. (May sound over protective but it sure takes away from a lot of the worry).

Page content created by Jackie Haley

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The information contained in this Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and CHASA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.