Some people have hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
This means they have trouble with the arm and leg on one side of their body.
To better understand this, spend a day using only one arm. Maybe you could use something to tie one arm to your body. You could immobilise an arm or a leg with a ruler strapped behind your elbow or your knee.
Try to do your daily activities, using just one arm (and a 'weaker' leg):
Hang out the washing
Do the shopping
Walk up steps
Maybe, clean the house.
People with cerebral palsy work so hard, every day. They might look as though they are clumsy and slow, but they have incredible strength and determination.
Commonly, cerebral palsy is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, at some time in the person's life. It can happen before they are born. The brain damage makes it difficult for messages from the brain to reach the muscles around the body. The messages may take longer to reach the muscles. This means people with cerebral palsy may need a longer 'response' time. They may need a little more time to get things done.
There are many different forms of cerebral palsy, and each form is rated in severity from 1-5. Five is the most severe. Dexter's cerebral palsy is level 4-5 quadriplegic cerebral palsy, with spasticity and dystonia.
He also has cortical vision impairment and is non-verbal.
Dexter is very determined and strong. And, cheeky!
#raisingawareness #cerebralpalsy
Would You Like Some Cake, Dexter?
Physical Toll of Cerebral Palsy
It Takes Energy to Stay Strong
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Mum’s Therapy
Walking Until It Hurts
How a Dollar Looks, for Dexter
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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