On Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a lively conversation. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Shall we get to recapping?

Several topics came and went throughout the evening Wednesday, December 8th. Thus why I described the night as “lively.” Early in the evening Alessandro brought life to the chat, asking a question.

Alessandro explained recently he has experienced moments where he has been so deep into whatever he was doing, that for a split second he forgets he has CP. Curious, he wanted to know if others encountered similar experiences. Both my co-host Devin Axtman and I said no, even noting dealing with cerebral palsy in our dreams. Meanwhile, Jen said sometimes. However, she could not pinpoint an exact moment. Jen and Alessandro were not alone either.

Blemi stated she tends to forget she has CP until she trips over something. Or, until she leaves the house and people stare at her. Stares which sometimes lead to ridiculous comments. Another subject our community discussed December 8th. A discussion prompted by Blemi.

In asking participants what the most ridiculous question they have ever been asked, Blemi triggered our participants to recall some truly dumbfounding inquiries. Devin remembered getting asked “How do you go to college?” His tale reminded Blemi of a similar situation. Blemi recounted for us people always asked if she had different admission requirements.

Nevertheless, the most ridiculous question received arguably goes to Hannah. She told us about being told she must have some other palsy because she has not “OUTGROWN IT YET?” Although, for argument sake, you could debate the question’s ridiculousness level.

Like Veronica pointed out, many people don’t realize you don’t outgrow CP because CP gets advertised as the biggest birth defect in children. Veronica mentioning “using the word children makes it sound like it can be outgrown.”

A sentiment I agreed with 100%. To keep the conversation going, answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What are other ways we can debunk the myth you ‘outgrow cerebral palsy’?” Leave your ideas in the “Comments” section.

Afterwards, mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary