Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition - the weakness, stiffness or involuntary movements remain throughout the person’s life.
It is important for children to receive support from an early age to ensure they have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
Many people with cerebral palsy are healthy and live to old age. Those people with the more severe forms of the condition may have health problems that result in a shortened life span. They may also experience signs of ageing an earlier age. For example a person with cerebral palsy may have problems with osteoporosis (brittle bones) earlier than in the general population.
Parents often ask, “Will my child lead a normal life?” People with a mild form of cerebral palsy often need no additional support to undertake the activities that most people enjoy. Others may need assistance to eat their meals, go to the toilet, or need specialised mobility equipment, e.g. wheelchairs or walkers to move around, or specialised communication systems to communicate with others. New prognostic tools can assist in predicting a child’s or teenager’s long term need for mobility devices so that plans can be made for funding and modifications to the home, school and, later, the workplace.
Helping the child and teenager to believe in their abilities is a foundation for their self esteem and happiness throughout their lives. Their cerebral palsy is only one part of who they are – it does not define them. Many parents find that encouraging their child or teenager to participate and contribute to the life of their community can help them see themselves and their world in a positive light.
New technology has made a huge difference. People with cerebral palsy use technology for entertainment, to find information, connect with friends, undertake higher education, shop, apply for jobs and work in regular employment.
Like the rest of the community, people with cerebral palsy have a wide range of skills, qualifications and experience. Some have abilities at work entry level, whilst many have tertiary qualifications such as TAFE certificates, diplomas and university degrees.
Remember, no two people with cerebral palsy are exactly alike and it’s very hard in the early stages to predict what impact cerebral palsy will have and what the future may hold.
Research holds great promise of, one day, identifying the causal pathways to cerebral palsy and identifying curative and preventative strategies.
