Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects how a person moves and maintains posture. Individuals with cerebral palsy are often misunderstood and face negative stigma because of their appearance. Many assume people with cerebral palsy have speaking difficulty, always use a wheelchair, or have an intellectual disability; in reality, these are myths.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to a condition involving multiple disorders that affect the muscles and the nervous system.

Most cases are classified as congenital disorders, although some can appear later in life. In congenital cases, the disease is caused by brain injury that occurs during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly afterward.

Signs of cerebral palsy in children may include a limp, floppy body, difficulty chewing food, and challenges with crawling.

Myths and Facts About Cerebral Palsy

Misconceptions about cerebral palsy remain common. Below are several cerebral palsy myths and the corresponding facts that the public still frequently believes:

Myth: Everyone with cerebral palsy has an intellectual disability

Fact: Children with cerebral palsy are often labeled as having an intellectual disability and may be excluded by peers. In truth, not all children with cerebral palsy have cognitive impairment.

According to Health Direct, cerebral palsy primarily affects posture and movement rather than intelligence. That said, about 50% of people with cerebral palsy do experience intellectual disabilities.

Generally, the more severe the cerebral palsy, the greater the chance of intellectual disability.

Myth: Cerebral palsy is mainly caused by oxygen deprivation at birth

Fact: While a small number of cases are linked to hypoxia at birth, this accounts for only a minority. In many instances the exact cause is unclear, and cerebral palsy does not occur just from a single primary cause but from a combination of factors.

Myth: People with cerebral palsy are always speech-impaired

Fact: Only about one in four people with cerebral palsy has a speech impairment. Even so, this does not mean they cannot communicate or understand others. Many therapies are available to help patients communicate so that children with cerebral palsy can become more independent.

Myth: People with cerebral palsy usually have a short life expectancy

Fact: Most individuals with cerebral palsy are generally healthy and can live typical lifespans. If they receive appropriate treatments to promote growth and functional skills, many patients can work, stay healthy, and live without depending on others.

Myth: People with cerebral palsy cannot have childre

Fact: There is no evidence that cerebral palsy will cause infertility or prevents conception. Cerebral palsy is not a hereditary disease, and women with cerebral palsy have a similar chance of having a child with cerebral palsy as women without the condition.

Myths about cerebral palsy can limit the adequate support that patients could have received from their communities. With accurate information, you can help counter negative assumptions about children with cerebral palsy.

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