My Dis@bled called Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Intellectual
level among people with CP varies from genius to mentally challenged. CP is not
a progressive disorder meaning it does not worsen, but the symptoms can worsen
over time doe to “wear and tear”. Medical intervention is limited as the causes
are known.
The causes could
be:
Infections
Oxygen
Shortage and Asphyxia
Multiple
Pregnancies
Other
Spastic CP is the most, causes the muscles to be tense, rigid and
movements are slow and difficult. Other involuntary movements are unsteady
gait, problems with balance.
Treatment
Different treatments can help a person function and live more
effectively. The earlier treatment begins the better the children overcome
developmental disabilities or learns new ways to do tasks.
Treatments may include one or more following:
Physio therapy
Occupational
therapy
Speech therapy
Medication to
alleviate pain or relax muscle spasms
Surgery
Orthopaedic
devices
Hyerbaric oxygen
Botox to relax
contracting muscles
Use
of terms when referring to people with CP
People would rather be referred to as
disabled to define restriction of the ability used to perform a normal
activity.
The term “spastic” describes the spastic
CP. The word “spaz” has since been used to insult disabled people, is extremely
offensive. In addition, it is used to insult “able body” people.
Misconception about been born with or
became CP as small children. That they are less intelligent than other people.
Those with CP were stigmatized and shunned. CP is defined as damage to parts of
the brain that control movement, CP does not define mental ability. In 1950s
thanks to public education that has changed some what.
It
is common for individuals with CP to lead normal lives. The ability to live
independently also varies depending on severity of the disability. The condition
does not limit people with CP to have children and parent successfully.
