Cerebral palsy affects around 17 million people worldwide, meaning it’s possible you are connected to someone with the condition. However, cerebral palsy is widely misunderstood even today, which can impact the way that people without the condition interact with people who have it. Here are some of the things those with cerebral palsy want you to know about it to have better, fuller relationships and interactions with them.
Disability Won’t Hold Them Back
Those with cerebral palsy have a different normal than those without it, and they don’t let their condition hold them back from getting what they want – whether it’s a jar on a shelf or a dream career. They work hard to find a way to achieve their goals just like anyone else, no matter how big or small it may be. People with cerebral palsy go on to become accomplished professionals and can even become athletes. Even though cerebral palsy can impose some physical limitations, those with it can still work to achieve their dreams.
They Have Friends and Families
It’s easy to imagine those with cerebral palsy as confined to themselves, but many people with the condition have friends, families, and full and healthy relationships just like anyone else. Many people go on to have healthy children of their own as well, as cerebral palsy isn’t inheritable. People with cerebral palsy can enjoy every type of human relationship that a person without it can.
Other People Can Be a Bigger Hurdle Than Cerebral Palsy Itself
Unfortunately, the way people with cerebral palsy are treated can be a bigger hurdle to a normal life in some ways than the condition itself. Interactions between people with cerebral palsy and others can be subtly colored by assumptions that ultimately disadvantage them. However, by educating themselves about what cerebral palsy means to the lives of those with it, other people can treat those with the condition better and develop valuable relationships with them.
Chronic Fatigue and Pain is Real
Cerebral palsy leads to chronic pain and fatigue across the lifetime of people with the condition. Someone with the condition may face the following problems that can wear down their body:
- Spasticity
- Scoliosis
- Uneven hips
These problems can take their toll on a person’s life. This can ultimately consume much of the energy of someone with cerebral palsy. If someone with cerebral palsy seems to tire easily or lacks energy, it could be because they are dealing with the pain from their own body.
Many Are Happy
Cerebral palsy can be tragic to outsiders, but many people with the condition don’t see themselves this way – and don’t want others to see them like this, either. For many people, cerebral palsy forged their character and made them who they are today, and they want to be accepted by themselves and others. While the condition can cause stress from time to time, many people don’t want to let it hold them back.
While cerebral palsy presents many challenges, those living with it by and large don’t want to be seen as victims. They want others to recognize the richness of their lives and to view them just like they would any other person. In many instances, other people can present bigger hurdles to the potential for those with the condition to live a full life because of their misconceptions and assumptions about the condition.
Bottom Line
The way you treat someone with cerebral palsy can make a major difference in their life, making it important to fix any misconceptions you might have about people who are living with it. Nevertheless, a loved one is dealing with this condition because of medical malpractice or negligence, you should always contact a cerebral palsy attorney to help you get maximum compensation for your case.
