Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

While globally we recognise Cerebral Palsy (CP) day in October, another significant time of recognition is March. Although primarily acknowledged in the United States, March is often known as CP awareness month and as such we’d like to take the time to share a few insights into the inspiring people we work with daily.

For those that are unsure, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Australia, CP ‘is a physical disability that affects movement and posture’. As such CP refers to a range of disabilities that affect movement, balance and posture not just one.

Cerebral palsy is not hereditary, nor is it a disease, but rather a condition caused by damage or changes to the developing brain. 

CP is a lifelong disability, with no cure but with treatments and especially early intervention, the impacts of CP on a person’s life can be decreased.

What is it like to live with CP?

How cerebral palsy affects a person and the severity of these challenges varies from person to person. 

These challenges can include speech difficulties, mobility challenges, learning and intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing impairment, epilepsy, emotional and behavioural wellbeing challenges, bladder and bowel control issues, saliva loss, eating and drink issues and spinal and hip abnormalities…. and in Australia there are approximately 34,000 people diagnosed with CP. 34,000 people of whom: 

• 3 in 4 of these people are experiencing pain
• 1 in 4 has epilepsy and;
• 1 in 3 are unable to walk. 

And all the while, those with CP have many of the same dreams and goals as you and I do. This is why continued support for the CP community is so important, to help individuals and families achieve those goals. Here at Pacific Health & Wellbeing our experienced Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists are determined to help you achieve your goals. 

If you would like to know more about the support we provide please contact us at admin@pacifichw.com.au. 

If you would like to know more or donate to support the advancements in CP treatments please visit www.cerebralpalsy.org.au.