Cerebral Palsy (CP)...two words I feared hearing (but anticipated) from the day Conner was born. Cerebral Palsy is considered a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. Cerebral Palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination.

In April 2017, Conner received the official diagnosis. No parent wants to hear that their child has CP. Like many of Conner's diagnoses, this was difficult to swallow and more difficult to process and ultimately accept. Fast forward to today and I rarely dwell on his CP diagnosis. Why? Well, Conner's CP diagnosis has helped him get additional therapy approved through insurance. Right now, we use it as a tool to provide every opportunity possible for Conner. It is not something that will hold him back or something that will limit what we know he can accomplish. Conner’s legs are tight (increased tone) and his right arm, shoulder and hand are significantly weaker/tighter than his left side. We’ve found a few toys and therapy related items that have been helping with his right arm/shoulder and hand. Conner’s core is low tone which is partly why he’s not sitting up on his own quite yet. Another added challenge is that Conner has had five bowel surgeries, so his core is at a disadvantage anyway. Conner’s therapists have made the biggest difference. They are constantly pushing him, trying new things and teaching us the best ways to work with him when they are not here. Without them, Conner would not be where he is today.

     We have not done any major treatments for Conner's CP and tone yet. I imagine that they are coming, but we are focusing on therapy, mobility and strength. There are a variety of treatments, but none are permanent and many come with side effects. One of our biggest focuses right now with Conner's CP is his hips and spine. Kids with high tone have a greater chance for hip dysplasia and scoliosis (due to a weaker side). Conner will see an Orthopedic surgeon this year and he will be followed to monitor any changes in his hips and spine. We are thankful Conner has a great team of therapists as they are all keeping a close eye on changes and implementing tactics to help as well as prepping us for the future.