Reflections on Stigma During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Cerebral Palsy (CP) awareness month happens to coincide with writing up findings from my PhD, meaning a timely moment to share some of the more salient reflections on stigma.

What is Stigma?

Adults with CP can face stigma on an everyday basis. The term stigma concerns stereotypes and prejudices (Smith 2025). These can be considered attributes that set people apart, or perceived deviations from the norm that can discredit them as whole (Goffman 1963) . For stigma to manifest it requires the presence of social and structural power dynamics (Link and Phelan, 2001, Major and O'Brien 2005). Stigma has consequences.

Some of the common misconceptions adults with CP face:

·      CP is something to be pitied

Many adults with CP lead positive, proud and empowered lives, and have highly developed communication skills enhanced by facing up to stigma on an everyday basis.

·      CP is an unchanging childhood disease

CP is lifelong and adults with CP face new challenges and multiple transition points throughout their lives, that include changes in functional status, and more frequent new onset of chronic conditions such as heart disease in comparison to others without CP

·      CP is a one-dimensional healthcare condition

CP is a multidimensional descriptive term. CP is heterogeneous and can be complex, with each person experiencing a unique presentation. Awareness of the multidimensional and lifelong nature of CP appears to be low, even amongst healthcare professionals

What living in the face of everyday stigma can feel like:

Navigating complex hierarchical power dynamics across multisector environments can feel chaotic and absurd. It can feel like a strange sense of belonging or like living in a half-space. Facing ableism (attitudes and approaches based on normative values), can leave people with CP feeling unseen, unheard and undermined.

What can be done?

As a first-step of many - include people with CP, not only in decision-making processes, but in positions that mean leadership and power