Cerebral palsy

Read the short summary about cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy tends to be characterised by delay in achieving established developmental milestones, for example being unable to independently support sitting by eight months, and unable to walk by 18 months (NHS 2019, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy/.

A child who seems to be excessively stiff or floppy, may have weak or taught, contracted limbs (spasticity), or who may walk on tip toes, may be demonstrating signs – the diagnosis tends to become more apparent over the first two years of life- it is not easy to detect in affected babies.

Reduced oxygen to the brain prior to, during or soon after birth, due to bleeding, infection or asphyxiation during a difficult birth may be the cause but often the cause is never established.

The effects are lifelong but can increasingly be eased through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, surgical intervention and other treatments.

Now watch the youtube video featuring Rosie Jones

Make some notes regarding your thoughts on:

• Does society stigmatise people who live with a disability? In what ways if so?
• Can laughing about disability help reduce stigma? In what ways?
• Can laughing about disability increase stigma? In what ways?

So, can you draw any conclusions about good practice in discussing disability? Please discuss your ideas with other participants undertaking the course.