Cerebral palsy is
generally classified as a developmental delay, but is it?
The American
Heritage® Medical Dictionary defines developmental delay as:
A chronological
delay in the appearance of normal developmental milestones achieved during
infancy and early childhood, caused by organic, psychological, or environmental
factors.
The Merriam-Webster
Online Dictionary defines the verb delay as:
1: put off, postpone <delay
a departure>
2: to stop, detain, or hinder for a time <the mails were delayed
by heavy snows>
3: to cause to be slower or to occur more slowly than normal <delay
a child's development>
To me, delay
implies the thing being delayed will, given enough time, catch up or reach its
intended destination.
Cerebral palsy is a
developmental delay?
With the age of 42
years fast approaching, I still speak Glenda-ish,
and, on hot summer days, even that becomes inaudible. My hand function remains
limited; although, my left thumb is firmly toned from overwork. My balance
remains tenuous. And, no matter how hard I try or how long I practice, I still
land on my ass or my head with every few steps I take. My head has bounced on
enough cement floors, thank you very much!
Developmentally
delayed?
Being political
correct is one thing, but let's get realistic here: no amount of time or effort
will get my development moving forward. My development isn't delayed; it has
downright halted!
