erebral palsy is a well-known reality to the families and friends of those who have it. To many of the rest of us, sadly, it has received little consideration. Because cerebral palsy (aka CP) is rarely just one thing, many misconceptions about it has persisted for decades. Here are 4 common misconceptions-myths, if you will-about cerebral palsy and the people who have it:
1) Children with CP are mentally disabled
2) Children with CP will never walk or talk
3) Children with CP can never lead independent lives
4) CP comes from an unknowable and unpreventable neonatal condition
All of the above can be true. For some. BUT NOT FOR MOST.
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term referring to a (currently) incurable, non-progressive set of neurological conditions that produce physical and neurological abnormalities during human development. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage, either through injury or irregular development during the early stages of life. The damage usually occurs just before, during or shortly after the birthing process. Very few infants are born with noticeable symptoms. Most will begin exhibiting them in the first few years of life as developmental milestones are missed.
MYTH #1: CHILDREN WITH CP ARE MENTALLY DISABLED
Depending on what part of the brain is affected, CP can present itself as any of a variety of developmental impairments and in variable degrees of severity--from barely noticeable to severe. More than anything, CP affects the motor and muscular development of those afflicted with it.
Some children with CP do, in fact, experience damage to the parts of the brain that controls thinking and
Comments
Post a Comment