Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 2

My journey growing up with Cerebral Palsy: The Early Years

 







Growing up with Cerebral Palsy (CP) presented many challenges, but it also shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It took me decades to truly understand and accept my condition. Here, I share my journey through the early years, my school experiences, and the lessons I've learned. 

Early Years and Physical Therapy 

From a young age, I was immersed in physical therapy. Weekly sessions were a part of my routine until I turned 11. These early interventions were crucial for my physical development and instilled a sense of perseverance within me. Through the support of skilled therapists, I learned to push my limits and celebrated every small victory. 

School Life: A Mixed Environment 

My educational journey began in a school that embraced both disabled and able-bodied children. This mixed environment taught me the value of diversity and inclusion. It was a place where differences were acknowledged, yet everyone worked together towards a common goal. I was fortunate to be among the first wave of children with disabilities integrated into my local mainstream school around my 10th birthday. This experience was both exciting and daunting, opening up new possibilities and challenges. 

The Boarding School Experience 

Transitioning to boarding school was a significant and difficult chapter in my life. Being away from home was a stark change, and unfortunately, I faced bullying, which made the experience even more challenging. Feelings of homesickness were frequent companions, but they also taught me resilience. Despite these struggles, I learned to advocate for myself, a skill that continues to serve me well. 

Finding My Footing


The year before what we call GCSEs in the UK, I changed schools once more. This new environment proved to be a turning point. The supportive atmosphere and understanding peers made a world of difference, allowing me to cope better and focus on my studies. It was here that I began to find my footing and gain confidence in my abilities truly. 

Lessons Learned 

Looking back, these experiences have taught me invaluable lessons: 

Resilience and Perseverance: Every challenge I faced built my resilience. I learned that setbacks are not the end but an opportunity to grow stronger. 

Advocacy: Speaking up for myself became a crucial skill, empowering me to seek the support and accommodations I needed. 

Inclusion and Empathy: Being in diverse environments fostered a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to advocate for inclusivity. 

While my journey with Cerebral Palsy has been filled with ups and downs, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Each experience, whether difficult or rewarding, has contributed to my growth. I hope that by sharing my story, others may find solace and inspiration in their journeys.



Sunday, January 16

Teens, cp and depression

School and teenage life with cerebral palsy:



Like every child and adult, they may go through bullying. Which is horrendous in any case having a disability on top of that can make things even worse. It doesn't matter what type of school the child is at either. 


Listening to the Teen:


This is the most important thing that should come from the parents, friends, family, and professionals that are involved with the child. because it is their lives that you're looking out for as an adult in their lives.


At school:


When the child is at school and if they are being bullied. then the first port of call is to get it dealt with within the school itself. But again if it is not resolved you will need to go higher in the system.


At home:


If at home the child is unhappy and depressed. 


  1. Talk to the teen

  2. Listen to the teen

  3. Don't ignore them or brush off what they are saying or going through.

  4. Point them in the direction for help

  5. Emotionally support them

And just generally support them.


Some of the places to guide them include

  • Childline

  • Social services

  • GP

  • Consultant

  • Friend

  • Adult

  • Teacher

  • Councillor

  • Facebook groups

  • Local groups if there any nearby


Dealing with the cp specifically:


When the teen asks about their condition and why they are different because of whatever evidence the cp has thrown up. Remember the following


  • Treat them as you would any other teen

  • Explain as simply as possible that it's not their fault.

  • Give them time to process the information

  • Support them in whatever way they need

  • Get them to ask the consultant relative questions


Then you can help them move forward and by getting support from other places such as the list below:


  • local groups

  • Scope

  • Facebook groups

  • Councillor

  • Friends


These things might be common sense but sometimes these need to be reminded because they are all intensive purposes the same as any other teen but have added issues that may not be disclosed at the moment through the cp but may show up later in life.


What if the teen is nonverbal:


Ok, the teen is nonverbal due to the cp mainly in their facial muscles. Then get them to talk via their equipment. It shouldn't matter how long it takes for them to get their own message, dreams, whatever across and using their equipment gets them to open up. 


Listen to what they have to say. 


Because I can tell you from personal experience that they want to be heard and treated equally in their own lives. Cerebral Palsy does not mean that we are not capable of doing things. It means it has to be done our way. It doesn't mean that they can't use their brains. It means they are wired differently. Just the same as anyone who has any other disability.



What does this mean?


It means that they are valued. Their opinions are presented equally. They are heard as a person not just as a disability. This way they are the person who has cerebral palsy, not the person who has Cerebral Palsy.


My journey growing up with Cerebral Palsy: The Early Years

  Growing up with Cerebral Palsy (CP) presented many challenges, but it also shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It took me decad...