Bob is now 25 years
old. From birth, CP affected the muscles of the right side of his body. At
several months of age, he was evaluated at a children's hospital and seemed to
be developing normally except for his right-sided weakness. He learned slowly,
however, and his parents were guided by physicians, physical therapists, and
other specialists on what to expect, how to help him develop, and how to
prevent muscle deformities through daily exercises. He went to a school for the
handicapped and received intensive help in speech and in feeding and clothing him.
He was found, in evaluations by a psychologist and vocational
counselor, to have some aptitude for mathematics and was enrolled in an
accounting course. It took him longer than average to complete his training,
but he did become an accountant, now holds a job, and goes to school at night
with the hope of becoming a certified public accountant.
Families of children
with Cerebral Palsy are under great strain. Parents unconsciously may feel guilty about the
birth of a child with CP. This can be a tremendous emotional burden, and help
from a doctor, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist can do much to
alleviate it. Cerebral palsy never resulted from bad thoughts, quarrels, lack
of willingness to have a child, or even attempted abortion.
A family may hinder, rather than help, development of a
child with CP through overprotection. Like other children, the CP child must
learn through experience. Encouraging a Cerebral Palsy child to do things, rather than
doing everything for him, will get him over many hurdles and help him to
achieve a certain degree of self-confidence. For example, climbing stairs may
seem well-nigh impossible at first to some CP children and their families.
Yet
if the child is not allowed to try and try again until he learns to manage
stair climbing, he will be at a disadvantage. Setting realistic goals for a youngster
with CP is important for his mental development and eventual ability to care
for him.
A realistic but optimistic view about what can be done is
most helpful. It is best when goals are set collaboratively by professionals,
family, and the child him- self. An optimistic view is justified. The outlook
for the person with CP is much brighter than it has ever been, and further
gains seem most likely.
