What people get wrong about cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is not a “one size fits all” disorder.
It’s usually caused by brain damage in the womb, during a child’s birth or during the developmental years. No cure has been found as of yet for this non-degenerative condition which happens roughly 3 times per 1,000 births.
The effects of CP vary broadly and can be as slight as a minor limp. The most difficult instances, however, include speech impairment, paralysis of the hands or legs and even intellectual disability in some circumstances. That being said, there are CP people with a wide range of capabilities and limits.
As a proud aunt to my 12-year-old CP niece, Brianna, I wanted to debunk some of the misconceptions people have of the disorder. I interviewed her mom, my sister Jennifer, to learn more about her daughter’s day-to-day ups and downs.
Brianna at age 6. Photo by Summer Fanous
When Brianna was born, she had an “extreme case of Hydrocephalus which caused the lack of oxygen in her brain, causing minor CP,” Jennifer says. The severity of Brianna’s disorder is the fact that she cannot walk.
Blind sighted
Sometimes, people fail to see those with CP for who they truly are. That’s especially true if, like in Brianna’s case, a wheelchair is the first thing they notice. Unfortunately, many kids with CP become a target for pity, though they don’t need, nor want that kind of attention.
Brianna is a fully functioning tween who enjoys school dances, “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” using all the data on her smart phone and everything else a girl her age does. Brianna is fully capable of doing normal things on her own. She’s an excellent reader, loves to cook and eat and uses her hands very well.
You’ll be this way forever
Another common misunderstanding is that once you’re born with the disorder, you cannot change your situation. Brianna’s biggest challenge is her inability to walk; according to Jennifer “she needs an assistant 24/7 to do everyday activities like going to the bathroom and bathing.” Yet, her disorder doesn’t define her; she works hard to strengthen herself physically. Currently, Brianna partakes in physical therapy twice a week as well as horseback riding therapy twice a week.
It’s all about how much will power (and of course physical capabilities) one has to alter their circumstances. My favourite example of a CP person who conquered her disability is the hilarious comedian Maysoon Zayid. In her TED Talk, she mentioned the extreme love and dedication her father had for her which ultimately resulted in her overcoming her disability and walking. A lot of times, people who are uneducated about CP (or just misinformed) don’t realize what one with the disorder is capable of.
Brianna today. Photo by Jennifer Ghanayem
More than just CP
“Brianna is a smart and very intelligent young lady. Despite her challenges, she is very hard working when it comes to school, also achieving As and Bs,” says Jennifer. Brianna is further described by her mother as passionate about music and art, someone who is brave and who can achieve anything she puts her mind to.”
