Cerebral Palsy Facts

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement and muscle control, usually caused by brain damage during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after. It's the most common physical disability in kids, impacting 1 in 323 children.

Quick Facts About CP:

  • What is it? CP affects a child’s ability to move, balance, and sometimes communicate. There are different types: spastic (tight muscles), dyskinetic (uncontrolled movements), ataxic (balance issues), and mixed (a mix of the above).

  • Why does it happen? It can be caused by infections or lack of oxygen during pregnancy, complications during birth, or brain injuries after birth.

  • Effects on Kids: CP can make everyday activities like walking, talking, or eating harder. Some kids may also have trouble with their vision, hearing, or have intellectual disabilities. Seizures are common, too.

  • Struggles: Kids with CP can face challenges like difficulty participating in normal activities with friends, getting frustrated or feeling isolated, and needing extra help in school. They may also need special equipment like wheelchairs or braces.

Helping Kids with CP:

  • Therapies: Physical therapy helps with movement, while speech therapy helps with communication. Kids also get occupational therapy to learn daily tasks and sometimes surgery for tight muscles.

  • High-Tech Help: Devices like exoskeletons or speech machines can give kids more independence and help them live fuller lives.

While there’s no cure yet, with therapy and support, many kids with CP can live active, meaningful lives! So, the key is early help and a lot of encouragement. 💪 we've been working hard since day one to provide Liam with a full life of fun and opportunities.  We've been blessed with AMAZING teachers, therapists and doctors that have given him so much love and strength.  We definitely could not have done any of this without them ALL.