Interview Diaries: Living with Cerebral Palsy

Hello everyone, this is an interview about ‘Living with Cerebral Palsy’ as part of the Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month of March.

1. Can you tell us about how and when you were diagnosed with CP?
   
   I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 3, after my mother noticed delays in my motor development. This diagnosis was attributed to a lack of oxygen to the brain at birth, which occurred when I was born prematurely at 6 months and weighed only 3 lbs. 2 oz., and had to be resuscitated.

2. How has CP affected your life since then?
   
   CP has affected my life since then by limiting my mobility on my left side. However, it has not taken away my ability to enjoy my life. CP has its perks, such as getting in line for a roller coaster and experiencing the unique perspective of CP through concerts and VIP passes. I view it as a gift, as it allows me to see the world from a different perspective. And it has given more stories to write as a writer. 

3. What are the worst parts of having CP?
   
   The worst part of having CP is the lack of understanding from medical professionals, which can make seeking treatment challenging. Additionally, having CP can sometimes lead to days where symptoms flare up and cause immense discomfort, making it seem like CP is having a party in your head.

4. How can we help to support someone with CP?
   
   Supporting someone with CP involves acknowledging their challenges and providing the necessary accommodations. It is important to avoid making assumptions regarding their feelings and coping strategies, as everyone's journey is unique. It is crucial to avoid falling into the trap of inspirational porn and internalized ableism, which can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and judgments.

5. What else would you like to share with us about your life with CP?
   
   When you read that you are in English class and you have read "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, you might initially expect it to be boring. However, as you delve deeper into the story, you realize that it seamlessly integrates with your own life, captivating your attention and making it almost impossible to put down. That's what living with CP is like; a book with many lessons to be taught 

Thank you for answering our questions, it has been really interesting and a pleasure to find out more about living with Cerebral Palsy.

For anyone interested in being a part of this, there is a form https://forms.gle/MZ1df1FWtJYHQvuy9  to express your interest in being interviewed as well as volunteering to interview someone else.

Catch up with other Interviews Here in our Master List!

Want to join the Disability Support Community Team? Find out more Here

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