| No two people are exactly the same. Even identical | | | | devices may be needed to make life easier. For |
| twins have subtle differences that only the parents | | | | example, ambulatory aids like crutches, walkers, and |
| can detect. The same can be said of individuals with | | | | wheelchairs can mean the difference between a full |
| disability. A brain injury suffered during or after birth, | | | | and active life and being totally dependent on a |
| children can have varying degrees of disability, | | | | caregiver. |
| depending on the extent of damage in the first few | | | | Severe Cerebral Palsy: A diagnosis of severe trauma |
| minutes, hours, or days outside of the womb. | | | | to the brain can be devastating for loved ones. |
| Unfortunately, many parents are ill-prepared for a | | | | Generally, the individual has full body involvement, |
| doctor to pronounce that their long-awaited baby is | | | | including a mental disability. However, it is amazing to |
| less than perfect, and the many faces of a cerebral | | | | see people so encumbered by the injury still able to |
| palsy diagnosis are difficult to comprehend. | | | | accomplish abilities thought beyond them. For |
| Mild, Moderate, or Severe Cerebral Palsy | | | | example, electronic aids help people with the most |
| At the time your child is determined to have a birth | | | | limiting cases communicate by learning to use a touch |
| defect, the doctor may predict mild, moderate, or | | | | screen device. |
| severe CP. In many cases, only time will tell what | | | | When first diagnosed, the many faces of cerebral |
| your child can/cannot achieve as the years go by. | | | | palsy are blurred and hidden in the shadows of time |
| Mild Cerebral Palsy: An individual who has been | | | | to come. But, with a positive outlook and connections |
| diagnosed may not seem to be disabled to the | | | | to the products and services available to make life a |
| general population. Maybe he/she will have a sloppy | | | | little easier, a lot of parents and other caregivers |
| gait when walking. Hand dexterity may be | | | | have helped special needs kids grow up and have |
| compromised, making fine motor skill tasks more | | | | happy successful lives. |
| difficult. Unless you are acquainted with this person, | | | | As time goes on, each life comes into focus, with a |
| the problem may go unnoticed. In fact, strangers | | | | hope and a promise. In some cases, individuals with |
| may simply assume someone with a mild case had | | | | this brain injury grow up to lead virtually normal, |
| one too many beers at happy hour. | | | | successful lives. Others may need more help, but still |
| Moderate Cerebral Palsy: A person diagnosed with | | | | manage to be very productive and independent as |
| moderate disability has more physical and possibly | | | | possible. Yes. Even those who are deemed severely |
| mental challenges. Thus, it is hard to mistaken the | | | | disabled can have victories that make life a little |
| signs of a brain injury for pure clumsiness or | | | | easier and even enjoyable. The key is to not dwell |
| inebriation. Individuals with moderate CP will likely | | | | on the impossible, but to imagine the possible. Despite |
| need physical, occupational, and possibly speech | | | | the many different manifestations of CP, most can |
| therapy to realize their full potential as adults. | | | | be worn with a smile, given the right outlook. |
| In many cases, mobility aids and assisted living | | | | |