"Your local chapter of United Cerebral Palsy will be your best source," says Dr. Mindy Aisen, director of the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation in Washington, DC. "They will know what other children have done locally and what has or hasn't worked well. They also can put you in touch with other parents."

Along with specialty camps, she adds, "an alternative is to send your child to a camp that is principally designed for children without developmental difficulties. It's been my experience that not-for-profit programs usually make accommodations for kids with developmental disabilities. They put an extra counselor in the cabin to help the child be included. You'd go through your local public school for this."

Asking lots of questions about safety and how your child will be involved in activities is key. "It's a great sign if they're open to your visiting during camping season," says Dr. Aisen. "A child with CP is like any child. How you would you make this decision would similarly be based on word of mouth and personal recommendation more than who's got a good ad."