What Is Cerebral Palsy? Understanding It Beyond the Label

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common physical disabilities in childhood, yet it’s still widely misunderstood. It affects movement, muscle tone, and posture—and it looks different for everyone. Some people may walk with a limp, others may use mobility aids, and some may have speech or coordination challenges.

I have cerebral palsy, and while it’s part of my life, it doesn’t define who I am. I live with it every day, but it’s only one piece of my story—just like it is for millions of others around the world.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. This affects the brain’s ability to control muscles and movement. It’s important to understand that CP isn’t a disease, and it’s not something you can catch. It’s also not progressive—meaning it doesn’t get worse over time, though the challenges may change as a person grows.

The Different Types of CP

There are several forms of cerebral palsy, depending on how movement is affected:

• Spastic CP – The most common type, causing stiff muscles and awkward movements.

• Dyskinetic CP – Leads to involuntary, sometimes unpredictable movement.

• Ataxic CP – Affects balance and coordination.

• Mixed CP – A combination of two or more types.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. No two people with CP have the exact same experience.

Living With CP

Living with cerebral palsy means adapting—sometimes finding new ways to do everyday tasks, and sometimes speaking up to make sure spaces are accessible and inclusive. While there are challenges, there’s also a lot of strength in figuring out what works best for you.

For me, CP has made me more aware, more empathetic, and more determined. It’s pushed me to be creative and persistent. And while it’s sometimes frustrating when the world isn’t built with accessibility in mind, it’s also made me passionate about making sure everyone is seen, heard, and included.

Why Awareness Matters

Too often, society focuses on limitations instead of abilities. Raising awareness about CP helps change that. When people take time to learn about it, they stop seeing the condition—and start seeing the person. That shift in perspective is the beginning of real inclusion.

Disability is a part of human diversity, and understanding cerebral palsy is just one step toward building a world where all people belong.

Call to Action

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to learn about cerebral palsy. The more we talk about it, the more we break down barriers—one conversation at a time. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and most of all, keep including.