Many people with cerebral palsy are non-verbal.
Having a non-verbal child is difficult.
It's frightening when they are sick and cannot tell you.
It's gut-wrenching when they cannot tell you they have a headache or a sore throat.
It's isolating when they cannot tell you about their day.
It's heartbreaking when they cannot talk to their friends.
It's frustrating when they cannot speak for themselves.
It's disappointing when people talk about them and not to them.
It's difficult to maintain a conversation with someone who doesn't answer.
And, it's so sad knowing they may never say 'I love you".
Dexter is non-verbal.
But, just because he doesn't have the words to talk to us, does not mean he has nothing to say. He communicates with his eyes and his movements.
Over the years, we have watched him develop ways to communicate.
He is getting very good with his head nods and shakes.
He uses his hands to show more (by hitting his table) and sticks his tongue out when he is hungry.
Dexter rarely cries, so when he does, we know something is wrong.
We don't hear his laugh very often, so when we do... it fills us with love.
Though Dexter is non-verbal, he is not quiet! He can be very loud!!
Often, Dexter 'talks' for hours, at night. By his tone, we can tell if he is frustrated and angry or happy and excited.
So, a challenge:
Ask someone not to answer you for an hour and try to have a conversation with them.
#raisingawareness #cerebralpalsy
Video of Dexter talking:
And Then, They Whispered about Me
I Didn’t Tell Dad I Love Him
Today, I Just Want To Be A Mum
Would You Like Some Cake, Dexter?
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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