Disability Awareness: Cerebral Palsy (CP)

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CP is the result of damage to the developing brain and describes a group of movement disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means having to do with weakness or problems with using the muscles. CP affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. CP is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and is currently lifelong condition, although early detection and intervention can improve outcomes significantly.  These motor challenges can create lifelong and progressive changes for a person with CP even though the initial brain injury is not progressive.  Motor challenges can range from minimal to profound, depending on the individual - ranging from weakness in one hand, to an almost complete lack of voluntary movement in all four limbs. 

Treatment for cerebral palsy can include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Additional therapies such as aqua therapy, equine therapy and others
• Medications to reduce muscle tightness, treat pain and manage complications related to spasticity and other symptoms
• Surgery to sever tendons to relax spastic muscles and reduce pain

 There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but early, comprehensive treatment can significantly improve a child’s life after diagnosis. 

 Early intervention (EI) services are available to children from birth through 36 months who are afflicted with cognitive, motor and movement delays even if they have not been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, as well as to children with a cerebral palsy diagnosis. 

A delay in reaching motor or movement milestones (such as rolling over, sitting, standing, or walking) can be an early sign that a child might have cerebral palsy. Note that there can be many reasons why a child misses milestones, and you should discuss your concerns with a pediatrician.

Similarly, infants and children with cerebral palsy may exhibit other deficits and delays such as poor feeding or delayed or absent speech. Again, these problems may be attributable to cerebral palsy or other issues, so you should discuss with your pediatrician.

 Perhaps one of the hardest things about being a parent of a child with CP is that it can feel isolating. How you as a parent navigate a new diagnosis can greatly benefit your child later on. For example, seeking counseling and community like ours can help you and your child gain confidence despite their disability and help you feel more hopeful for the future. The most important thing to remember is you are not alone. 

 Encourage your child to realize their dreams without putting limits on their hopes. This can help your child to reach for both realistic and hard-fought goals to live their best life.