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RESEARCH Understanding latest advancements: hype, hope, and practicalities You knowyour circumstances and practicalities best, but how do you navigate the headlines and social media hype when it comes to new technologies and life-changing treatments? By AMY HOGAN Let’s be honest, amongst all the headlines bombarding us on a daily basis, there’s a lot of information to wade through and make sense of. There are articles, adverts and social media videos for everything from new technologies that will make life easier, to new treatments that claim to be “life-changing”. Managing different elements of CP, particularly pain, communication strategies and aids tailored across the CP spectrum continue to evolve. Technological innovations such as apps, communication tools, and patient portal logs are proving a shift in thinking. But with all this hype and hope, it can be hard to find what works for you and your whānau. Cerebral Palsy Society members, whether they are facing a new diagnosis, navigating school years or figuring out adulthood, often come to us and ask: • How do I make sense of all the information? • How do I balance the need for Cerebral Palsy intervention with other aspects of everyday life? No article, guide, or person can tell you what to do. But at the same time, weighing up all the possibilities can feel overwhelming, particularly when you introduce social media videos, claims about which methods work, and specific goals for levels of Cerebral Palsy. There is a combination of headlines, hope, hype and potential opportunities for individuals and families to explore. There is always another claim or offer around the corner so selecting the right one can be difficult. Navigating the best options for your circumstances, or those of your whānau, can be challenging. There are various resources available to help, including formal networks such as organised coffee groups and Parent to Parent, as well as informal networks like Cerebral Palsy Facebook groups. Additionally, 20 | THE REVIEW SEPT 2024