Within the evening Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 during the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow an overarching theme emerged. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to tell you about said theme. The most fitting way to do so appears obvious, via your weekly recap!

Actually, last week’s recap generated early discussion. Specifically, my co-host Devin Axtman sharing the June 20th recap extend-the-conversation question, “What has been your toughest form of disability related adjustment?” Answers varied but all involved issues you encounter growing older.

Long-time regular Blemi’s answer triggered me to make comments about the difficult but vital task involved with making new friends. A task Devin called “an underrated hard part of being an adult.” I noted how major life events like moves and having kids naturally causes friendships to grow distant. To avoid becoming isolated, you need to make new friends. Sentiments fellow tenured #CPChatNow participant Hannah Pike found true.

Another reply to the adjustment question entailed finding available services. Hannah and I meanwhile explored a connected subject, picking a doctor.

We contemplated the various factors important towards deciding what doctor to get treated by. Details like location, bedside manner, knowledge, willingness to listen, and more! Add to the list by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What attributes do you look for in a doctor?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Keeping the focus to growing up, I asked a question related to beginning college.

Devin remembered worrying about handling everything. However, eventually he proved himself capable. Bullying also stood out as a concern.

Newcomer to #CPChatNow Martin Wylie indicated he worried bullies might target him in college due to his disability. Sadly he faced such bullying. Yet thankfully Martin added over time he finally made friends.

If you need a friend, consider joining #CPChatnow sometime. We love when new people join us, a fact hopefully evident by how Devin and I greeted Martin.

Typically #CPChatNow happens every Wednesday, going from 8pm to 10pm ET. Please know #CPChatNow will NOT take place tonight. Due to the July 4th holiday, we moved the July 4th chat to yesterday. Devin will provide you that recap soon. Stay tuned for that. Until then, take a moment to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“What attributes do you look for in a doctor?”

Respond via a comment below.

Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary