Different subjects came and went during the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) cerebral palsy (CP) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. If you missed the discussion, do not worry! I, #CPChatNow co-host, Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you with your recap. Shall we get started?

Early in the evening my co-host Devin Axtman sent out congratulations to a previous chat co-host.

Devin congratulated Blake Henry on his recent engagement. The exciting news Blake had shared on Instagram. Through keeping in touch on multiple platforms, the connections made in our community transcend our weekly chats. In the process, expanding our support system. A good support system helps nurture other benefits. For example, self-confidence.

Self-confidence surfaced as a topic for discussion when I asked the chat, “What helps you fuel your self-confidence?” Within Devin’s reply he mentioned his support system, saying, “(I) remind myself people have confidence in me.”

Regarding other people showing confidence in you I said, “I find the last part kind of builds into itself. Other people have confidence in you which gives you confidence and as a result more people end up having confidence in you.”

As the self-confidence dialogue progressed, Devin named an element vital to self-confidence, “You have to love yourself. Part of that is not comparing yourself to others.”

In my opinion, an important pillar for learning to love yourself stems from positive representation in media, whether the news, TV shows, or books. In relation to disability and children’s books, I sought recommendations, asking “Do you have any recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities?”

The subject lingered in my mind after coming across I Am Extraordinary by Stephen Curry at work. Summarizing my thoughts on the book, I said, “The overall message is great (pretty much don’t blend in. Blend out!) However, there are a couple portions that feel too ‘inspirational porn’ like.”

Beyond I Am Extraordinary, Veronica named the children’s series, The Abilities in Me. Each book in the series explores a different disability, such as ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. Your turn now! Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?”

Answer below! Afterwards mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary