Cerebral Palsy is one of the disorders included in the broad umbrella of Developmental Disabilities. However, CP is almost as broad a term.

CP is actually a group of disorders that affect the brain and nervous system and cause physical and mental impairments. CP occurs prior to birth or within the first three years of life, while a child’s brain is still developing. Often, CP is the result of an injury or infection (either in the womb or after birth) or from low oxygen supply. Infants who are born at very low birth weights have an increased risk of CP, as are infants who experience trauma during birth.

Since CP is an entire group of disorders, it manifests in a variety of different ways. Some people have their whole body affected, while others have problems on one side of their bodies. Many people with CP have cognitive impairments. Many have average or higher intelligence. (Remember Geri on the 80’s sitcom The Facts of Life?)

The majority of individuals with CP (over 80 percent) have a type of CP called spastic CP where some or all muscles are overly tight and constricted. This can cause the person with CP to have an unsteady gait or limited use of his or her legs. In cases of spastic quadriplegic CP, the individual is affected in all four limbs and may have limited use of both arms and legs.

Individuals with CP also often experience gastrointestinal distress, tremors, seizures, spasms, and poor muscle tone.   Ambulatory individuals often have a “scissor walk” where the knees cross as they walk or a “toe walk” where one or both heels don’t touch the ground during their stride. Speech impairments are common in individuals with CP as a result of poor respiratory control and problems controlling the facial muscles.

There is no cure for CP, but there is a lot of support to live with its effects. Early intervention supports, like those offered by San Juan Kids, have the best opportunity to significantly improve the child’s functioning through physical, occupational and speech therapies. Medications can help control seizures or reduce muscle spasms. Assistive technology and adaptive equipment open many doors, giving non-ambulatory individuals more freedom to move and individuals with speech limitations more ways to communicate.

As individuals with CP are given more intervention in early childhood and access to technology and education, they show the world that their potential is much greater than once supposed. Many times, a person with CP is far more intelligent than she is able to communicate. Only about 1 in 3 individuals with CP have a significant cognitive impairment.

Today, hundreds of thousands of people with CP live in our communities. Some of these individuals live independent lives. Others have technology and caregivers to help make sure all their basic needs are met, including toileting, feeding, dressing and bathing. All have the capacity to make contributions to our community and live, work and recreate with their non-disabled peers.

If you suspect your child has cerebral palsy or other developmental delays, sontact San Juan Kids at Community Connections (970-385-3498) for a free developmental screening.