Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can have a significant impact on a person's social development. It can affect physical abilities, communication, and emotional wellbeing, all of which can lead to social problems. Poor coordination of the muscles of the tongue and mouth can make it difficult for people with cerebral palsy to be understood, which can lead to intellectual deficiencies. Behavioral problems are also common in those with cerebral palsy, and they are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.
People with cerebral palsy may experience uncontrolled or unpredictable movements, muscle stiffness, weakness, or tension, and shaky movements or tremors. These physical impairments can make it difficult to walk, talk, and interact with others. Parent-child interaction is an important factor in the emotional wellbeing of children with cerebral palsy. Abnormalities of the spine and hips can cause chronic pain and make it difficult to move around.
People with cerebral palsy may face discrimination from their peers, potential employers, doctors, and even members of their own family. Fortunately, there are ways to help those with cerebral palsy overcome social issues. Speech and language therapy can help improve communication skills and reduce social problems related to cerebral palsy. Positive social development can help reduce the tendency of others to exclude those with cerebral palsy and help them be seen as a non-disabled person.
Socialization has been shown to have life-altering benefits for those affected by cerebral palsy. Shorthand writing programs and computer-assisted speech devices can be useful for socializing patients with cerebral palsy. If someone with cerebral palsy has been discriminated against or their condition has been aggravated by a doctor or medical professional, they may be entitled to legal compensation. Children with the most severe forms of cerebral palsy are more likely than others to have high myopia, no binocular fusion, dyskinetic strabismus (also known as “looking back” or “squinting”), severe eye dysfunction, and optic neuropathy or cerebral visual impairment (CVI).
