Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder
that affects coordination of body movements and muscle tone. People with cereal
palsy may have difficulty with everyday activities, such as walking or dressing, given that the condition affects muscle
control. These difficulties can make adolescence very challenging for a teen
with cerebral palsy.Teens with more severe physical limitations have
more health concerns and more difficulty with everyday functions, as reported
by a study in the March 2009 issue of "Developmental Medicine and Child
Neurology" by Dr. Elsie Davis and her colleagues. Changes in height and
weight can affect mobility and balance. Accepting physical limitations relates
to a higher quality of life. About 65 percent of teenage
girls and 50 percent of teenage boys report having pain, according to a study
in the Spring 2010 issue of
"Pediatric Physical Therapy". The pain occurs most commonly felt in
the feet, ankles, knees and lower back. Pain can interfere with everyday
activities, such as walking and being able to focus on homework. Being accepted by peers helps give teens with cerebral palsy
a sense of belonging, according to the study by Dr. Elsie Davis. Teens with
cerebral palsy may feel frustrated or discouraged by being ignored by peers or
having awkward interactions with others. In comparison to teens without a
disability, teens with cerebral palsy often become more isolated, less socially
active and have fewer sexual relationships, as noted by a review of research in
the December 2006 edition of "Clinical Rehabilitation." Barriers to social and sexual relationships among teens with
cerebral palsy include physical limitations, negative social experiences and
poor self-esteem.
Here is also a link where teens that live their lives with Cerebral Palsy everyday
www.teencerebralpalsy.com