Mild Cerebral Palsy – What To Expect?

3 Responses for "Mild Cerebral Palsy – What To Expect?"

1. tumblewe December 14th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

   I’m not a parent but I have mild cerebral palsy and I’m 21 years old. My parents have always been great to me especially whilst I was growing up, they never let me feel like I was unable to do anything and always supported me. I had phsyiotherapy regularly when I was growing up, which has definitely helped me as I was hardly able to walk when I was little, and now can walk pretty well. I found that sometimes my parents had to be very patient with me as it’d take me longer to do certain things. A lot of people with cerebral palsy often forget they have a disability, I certainly do, I live a very normal life and have coped with things in my own way. I went to a normal school and am now at univeristy. I would not worry too much, I have a couple of friends that also have cerebral palsy who cope really well and are happy. It can be frustrating sometimes and when you’re young and have a disability making friends isn’t as easy as it is for other children, but I got through it and now have loads of friends. Being supportive is the most important thing you can do, you both sound like really supportive and caring parents so I am sure you will be brilliant. Also, phsyiotherapy is a must as well, and if you can practice some of the exercises your phsyio does with your daughter at home it’d be a plus. There is a lot of help out there for people with disabilities, it is just a case of asking for it. I’m sure everything will be okay and I’m sure your daughter’s strong personality will get her through any obstacles. I hope all of this has helped. All the best.

2. carissa7021 January 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am

   I would very much like to talk to you about this issue. My son is 26 months old and has exact same diagnosis. He is only affected in his legs. Otherwise, you would never know. He took his first steps on the day before he turned two and walks on his toes. Wear braces, which is so frustrating for me and him. He cannot stand independently and now that he is older I am really noticing the things he “cannot” do. I am wondering the same things, what will the future be like? He is so “normal” but, at the same time not. His doctor at Children’s Hospital in St. Lous, MO wants me to try botox. I am extremely afraid of this. I would just love to have someone to talk to. All of my friends with children have trouble understanding my frustrations. They just want me to be “happy it isn’t worse”. If you would like to talk, I would love to hear from you. carissashane@yahoo.com Thanks!

3. Xanthius January 27th, 2010 at 10:05 pm

   I’m like tumblewe, not a parent, but I have mild CP. I’m 18 and about to go to college. My CP affects my right side, leg and arm, but no mental retardation or anything like that. I don’t tend to tell People that I have CP though, I describe it as a “weakness.” When you say Cerebyl Palsy to people with no experience they tend to think of severe cases on the news of kids who can’t walk or talk. I’m not anything like that so I don’t tend to name it unless necessary.
   Some things are more difficult for me, especially involving my hand and arm, but you learn to work with what you can do. Having a twin not affected could even be helpful. I know for me that I WAS going to do whatever my twin brother could do, whether it be climbing tree’s or rocks or riding a “big kids bike.” If she has a strong personality, she’ll be fine. When you are determined to overcome things, you often find ways to do so. I learnt to play the violin and oboe (though not as well as my brother) and though I found basic things harder, I COULD do them, or at least find a different way to acheive the same end. It is frustrating, and sometimes I think its so unfair that I have it and not my brother. But to be honest, I often forget that I have anything wrong, and live a pretty normal life.
   Relax, Help her where she needs it, and just enjoy your daughters. Mild CP sounds far more Scary than it is.