Hello, I’m Westley, I’m 27 and live in Erina. I’m just an everyday fun-loving guy. I love music, movies, and footy. I also have cerebral palsy. Sometimes people don’t understand me, which is frustrating. I work part-time with some great people. I do all the same things as you, but everything is harder for me. I have thoughts, dreams, love, and ideas. I’m a whole person just like everyone else.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy (or CP) is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. There is no single type of CP. Each person is different.
CP can be categorised in all different ways. One way is by disease severity, which ranges from 1 to 5. Other ways of categorising CP include the region of the body that is affected.
It’s an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move, according to Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
The Alliance also says:
- 1 in 4 children with cerebral palsy cannot talk
- 1 in 4 cannot walk
- 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability
- 1 in 4 have epilepsy
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood with 1 in 700 born in Australia with CP each year.
What causes cerebral palsy?
CP is usually the result of an injury to the brain during pregnancy, birth or in the first few weeks of life. It can be the result of a virus or severe infection that has entered the child’s brain. A malformation or abnormality, or a near drowning episode, can also cause the condition.
CP can affect various muscles and parts of the body. The impact can range from a weakness in one hand to an almost complete lack of voluntary movement.
How common is cerebral palsy (CP)?
There have been breakthroughs in research and treatments over the last 20 years. Did you know that the rates of CP in Australia have dropped by 40 percent since 2005?
Australia is now one of the lowest rates in the world. There are more than 17 million people living with cerebral palsy.
What treatments are available?
There are lots of treatments available for cerebral palsy. Early diagnosis is known to achieve better outcomes. Cerebral palsy is not progressive and does not worsen over time.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
Firstly, your primary care doctor or GP will examine your child’s gross motor skills and take a full medical history. They will check for floppy or tight muscles and may get a physical therapist or occupational therapist to examine them as well. This is known as a movement assessment.
A brain scan and a neurological assessment would normally be required for a diagnosis as well.
“The future is bright and hopeful for most children with cerebral palsy, but for the children with severe cerebral palsy, we must acknowledge that it is a very difficult journey.“
Professor Nadia Badawi, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute
Neuroplasticity and training the brain
Diagnosis can usually be made while a baby is under six months of age. This means the most appropriate interventions can be introduced early and begin training the child’s brain.
Brains rapidly develop in the first 1000 days of life. Connections between the brain and spine are still forming. Brains can be shaped with repetitive exercises, and these exercises can help guide the brain. Babies with CP need monitoring to prevent secondary problems from occurring.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has an early diagnosis clinic to help parents fast track a diagnosis.
There are early diagnosis clinics at Sydney Children’s Hospital, one at Prairiewood, and another at Croudace Bay in the Hunter. A referral is needed, but you can call them on 1300 888 387.
Preventing cerebral palsy
While CP can’t always be prevented, the risk can be reduced.
Good prenatal care, managing infections during pregnancy, and taking steps to prevent premature birth can help. Advances in medical care, such as neonatal (post-birth) care, have also reduced the number of children affected by CP.
Every child born with cerebral palsy has the right to live their best life.
Amazing breakthroughs in CP research have occurred over the last 20 years.
Did you know that there’s been a drop of 40 percent drop in the rate of CP in Australia since 2005.
Research focusing on the brain’s ability to change itself has shown striking success thanks to the donors and researchers at CPA Research Institute.
This drop of 40 percent in the rate of CP since 2005 makes Australia one of the lowest rates in the world.
Early intervention makes a lifetime of difference!
Early intervention, including physical therapy and speech therapy, can help children develop skills and achieve greater independence.
Families often need to adapt their daily lives to accommodate their child’s needs, but with the right resources and support, children with CP can thrive. Westley received years of physical therapy, speech pathology, and occupational therapy.
Support Services
Australia offers a range of support services for people with CP and their families. Organisations like Cerebral Palsy Alliance provide therapy, education, and support.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) also offers funding to help cover the costs of therapies, equipment, and other essential services, ensuring that families have access to the resources they need.
Central Coast Services
If you’re having a baby, or planning to, Gosford Hospital has a neonatal nursery for newborns who are sick. If they need special care, you may be transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Explore the maternity and childbirth options at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.
There are also private birthing centres and midwives, and breastfeeding clinics.
You can also contact the Cerebral Palsy Alliance for any further information or support.
About Steptember
About Steptember
Steptember is Australia’s favourite, and most inclusive, virtual health and well-being fundraising challenge, made possible by Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA).
Move 10,000 steps a day this September whilst fundraising to make a positive impact for people with cerebral palsy.
There are fundraising tips available on the website.
How far is 10,000 steps?
Ten thousand steps depends on the length of your stride (the length of your footstep), but it’s about five miles or eight kilometres per day. No easy feat!
Does it matter if you don’t walk that far every day? No, of course it doesn’t matter!
It doesn’t matter how many days you do the 10,000 steps or if you ever get there. The goal is to get fit and have fun trying. You get sponsors to help you raise the money.
You can sign up for Steptember as an individual, a team with your sports club, workplace, school, company, or any business. Resources are available including guides, social media tiles, Zoom and Team backgrounds, email signatures, posters, and phone wallpapers.
Last year, over 61,000 participants raised over $1.4 million dollars. The funds raised went to:
- Identifying babies at risk for early intervention
- Essential research into regenerative medicine, epidemiology, assistive technology, and more
- Assistive technology designed to make it easier for people with CP to communicate
- Remarkable a startup accelerator committed to developing tech startups that amplify human potential and reduce barriers for people with disability.
- Youth services that empower teenagers and young adults with CP live the best lives.
Browse the Steptember website for all the excitement and to register. What better time than September to get outside for a great cause.
This is Wesley again. I’m doing Steptember this year with my work. Last year we raised $600! This year me and my workmates are trying to raise a whopping thousand smackaroonies. We’re keen to get more assistive tech into businesses like ours. Then we can bring another person with CP into the team.
Told ya they’re great people.
Remember, this article is general and shouldn’t be considered as personal medical advice. It’s always best to see your doctor at Narara Valley Medical for a personal medical consultation.