If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you are (understandably) likely to be under a lot of stress. When people hear the term cerebral palsy, they generally think about the people who are most affected by the disorder. In severe cases, the sufferers oftentimes endures tremendous hardships. They may, in fact, have so much difficulty with muscle control that they are unable to chew and swallow food on their own. Not every case of cerebral palsy is severe, but even people with mild cerebral palsy symptoms still have many challenges of their own to overcome.
Potential Challenges
People with mild symptoms of cerebral palsy generally suffer with many of the same difficulties that people with more severe cerebral palsy symptoms endure, but the symptoms are simply not as severe. For example, somebody with severe cerebral palsy may be completely unable to walk. Somebody who has a more minor set of symptoms may be able to walk, but may have some difficulty keeping their balance, necessitating the use of crutches or a cane.
Cerebral palsy symptoms are not only exhibited physically. Many people with cerebral palsy suffer some degree of learning disability as well. Because of that, somebody with mild symptoms may do very well in school, except in one or two subjects with which they tend to have difficulty. Oftentimes, people who have training in educating people with special needs can work wonders for such children, and can help them keep up with the rest of their class.
People with mild symptoms of cerebral palsy oftentimes grow up to lead independent lives, and deal with their condition in a way that allow them to have a very high quality of life. Some of these adaptations are minor. For instance, somebody with mild cerebral palsy may need to have an apartment on the bottom floor, as walking up stairs would be exceedingly difficult. They may not, however, suffer the same severe mobility issues that somebody with more severe symptoms exhibits.
Children with mild cerebral palsy symptoms still need extra help now and then. Many children with CP, however, develop an interest in athletics, advanced learning, and even pursue a career in the medical field because they want to help others growing up with the same challenges.