CEREBRAL PALSY: NEUROTYPICAL SIBLINGS DOING THE BEST!

Like every other disorder, the management of Cerebral palsy can be tough on families. Younger children find it difficult to understand behaviors. With older siblings, it can release multiple feelings, such as anxiety and, loneliness.

I love meeting people who share similar feelings and experiences. I also love to find out how they cope with their Special needs family members.

Although my subject of focus has a brother with cerebral palsy and I have a brother with Autism, there are still some similar feelings and experiences.

Just like every Neurotypical sibling out there, Helen is somewhat grateful for the experience.

Ever since I was young, I knew my little brother was not like the other kids. I never knew what the name of the disability was, and not until when I was of age, I became so curious I wanted to know more about it. Each time, my family came for visit to my school, my friend would question me about my brother, especially about his head. I will answer them saying that’s how he is. I later found out it was cerebral palsy.

My brother is so loved by my family. My family and I have learned to support him since day one. We always take him to his physiotherapy sessions, play together, read to him, and assist him with his assignments.

We give him all the attention he needs. He is now done with primary school and is now in secondary school.

Like I always say as his name implies victor, he has always been victorious. Growing up hasn't been easy for him, he was always in the hospital for his physiotherapy sessions and has always been subjected to taking his medical drugs all his life. But he is still challenging himself to do greater things. Like he said he wants to be an engineer.

I have learned to appreciate the small things in life and never take anything for granted. Having a sibling with special needs has taught me lessons about compassion, empathy, and acceptance.

It is beyond beautiful that she feels this way. Having a sibling with special needs teaches you a lot of things. In my case, it is patience, for Helen, it is empathy and acceptance.

I say that you have a sibling with special needs, you are so special. Not everyone can do what you do- your patience, love, and care.

LEARN ABOUT SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP "YOUR SAFE SPACE"

It’s rare. Don’t let anyone tell you that there is nothing special about your child or sibling. There is a lot.

If you have a sibling with cerebral palsy, just being there for them and inclusion will do wonders for their self-esteem and image.

Remember, they are like other children and still crave friendship and playtime.

Watch this video on Cerebral Palsy

Most importantly, these individuals live fulfilled lives and should not be judged based on their disabilities.

As a neurotypical person, you need to be aware of their situation and make plans for inclusion.

Honor this day by finding out more.

Stay kind and understanding always.

Comments

The Change

HOW I DEALT WITH THE NEWS. Hiiiiiii. Let me just say my awesome friends pushed me to doing this and I love them❤️ So I have been so fortunate to know the word “Autism and everything it entails. I have a brother of 17 years who is autistic and if you knew me well, you would know I mention Tobi like a million times a day, when referring to anything. He's just in my mind everytime, gosh. Is it weird that I don’t remember my childhood? Maybe, But I think it’s so weird that I don’t understand how it happened, why it keeps happening to children, but I can tell that they are beautiful in every way and when my brother became autistic, was he meant to be this or was cursed? As a Nigerian, you question things like this and search for spiritual help. I never knew of the situation till I was 14. When I was younger, I was ignorant. I didn’t know what was wrong with my brother. I was even too self-absorbed at that age or just busy looking for trouble. I didn’t know why he didn’t speak or w...

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