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Mystery disability identified

Hannah_G
Hannah_G Community member Posts: 4 Listener
edited February 2015 in Cerebral palsy

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this site, my name is Hannah and I'm 22 years old. I have just recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I have had CP symptoms all my life(muscle stiffness, difficult fine and gross motor skills, insomnia and renal problems) but doctors only now realised this is what's really been wrong. when I was 5 doctors shared the belief that all my health problems were the result of autism despite my abilities to form relationships and feel others emotions. I was never ashamed of being thought as autistic and have nothing against anyone with that but me and my family always knew deep-down that none of my symptoms resembled autism. as a result, getting help and support for me has always been difficult as autism could never truly explain why I had the problems I did. but now it all makes sense, I have CP and that's why I have the physical problems that I've got today. on top of that, my new G.P. confessed to me(after hearing my diagnosis) that she never believed that I was on the autistic spectrum. well that's all about my situation for now. I'd love to hear everyone else's stories and life challenges.

Love Hannah xx 

Comments

  • Rocky
    Rocky Community member Posts: 76 Listener
    edited February 2015

    Hi Hannah,

    Surprisingly there are quite a lot of people in their 20s and 30s who are unaware that they have cerebral palsy until, as in your case, a doctor mentions - normally during a routine visit or check up. Often like you they think they have some other condition or they just think they have difficulties in their arms or legs or find it difficult to perform certain tasks. As I expect you know, cerebral palsy is an extremely wide ranging condition and no two people are affected in the same way. I am surprised you got a diagnosis of autism though.

    I hope you are getting used to having a new label but more importantly hope you are able to access some of the services that may help such as physiotherapy.

    I am sure you will get lots of support via this community.

  • alex_2014
    alex_2014 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    edited May 2015
    Hey Hannah, I think its a good thing that you have been diagnosed with something at last, because now you can get more aligned support :-) I hope to hear from you again on the site.

    I too have CP, which effects only my legs. I have spastic diplegia.
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    Welcome to the club! Just remember you are still Hannah and not defined by a diagnosis. Best wishes.
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

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