According to cerebralpalsy.org, more than 750,000 U.S. children and adults are currently living with cerebral palsy. An individual may be born with CP or may develop the disorder during or shortly after birth. An injury to the brain or a malformation in the brain are the major causes of CP, both which result in an individual suffering permanent brain damage. Individuals with CP have difficulty controlling their muscles which may affect and impair their physical movement and ability to speak.
In some cases, a baby may be born with CP after suffering an injury to the brain either prior to or during the birthing process. In other cases, CP is believed to be the result of improper brain development. Regardless of how CP originates, the disorder is permanent and there is no cure. Thankfully, the disorder is also typically non-life threatening and non-progressive which means individuals diagnosed with CP do not have to worry that their condition will worsen or that further brain damage will occur.
Individuals diagnosed with CP may experience impairments of varying types and severities. Poor muscle tone and lack of muscle coordination and control are common and the severity of these and other impairments corresponds to the severity of an individual’s brain injury or malformation and the resulting damage. Additionally, developmental delays are common and may impact an individual’s reflexes and ability to walk, eat and talk.
Depending on the severity of one’s impairment, individuals with CP may have difficulty with mobility and communication. These impairments and disabilities can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and to work full or even part-time. Thankfully, individuals who have been diagnosed with CP can qualify to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. The much-needed monthly benefits awarded via SSD can help an individual with CP afford basic necessities as well as maintain independence.
Source: Cerebralpalsy.org, 2014
