Knowledge and Perceptions Towards Cerebral Palsy

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Knowledge and Perceptions Towards Cerebral Palsy

A new survey carried out by JMW Solicitors revealed that there is a considerable lack of understanding surrounding cerebral palsy in the UK, with one-fifth of people not knowing what the condition is.

Our research, which questioned 790 people about their knowledge and perceptions of cerebral palsy, highlighted shortcomings in people’s understanding of the condition. Of those surveyed, 40 per cent said their understanding of cerebral palsy was ‘poor’, while 10 per cent of respondents said their knowledge was ‘very poor’. This compared with 45 per cent who said they had a ‘good’ understanding, while only five per cent said ‘very good’. 

Answer Choices Percentage Responses
I have a very good understanding of cerebral palsy 6.02%46
I have quite a good understanding of cerebral palsy 44.50%340
I have quite a poor understanding of cerebral palsy 39.40%301
I have a very poor understanding of cerebral palsy 10.08%77

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination. It is usually caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth. Cerebral palsy is an irreversible condition that causes a range of lifelong physical and learning disabilities that range in severity. 

In addition, 71 per cent of respondents did not know that one in every 400 children are born with cerebral palsy, with 13 per cent estimating that it affects one in every 20,000 children. Meanwhile, seven per cent thought it was more prevalent, guessing that cerebral palsy affects one in every 100 children.

Eddie Jones, a lawyer who represents children with avoidable cerebral palsy and the head of clinical negligence at JMW, said: "Our findings highlight a real lack of knowledge among the general public regarding cerebral palsy. We believe that more can be done nationally to raise people’s understanding of cerebral palsy to help both people with the condition and those closest to them.”

How much does the public know about cerebral palsy? - our survey findings

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
One in every 100 7.52%54
One in every 400 21.87%157
One in every 800 18.38%132
One in every 4,000 25.91%186
One in every 8,000 13.79%99
One in every 20,000 12.53%90

The Full Survey Results

Do you personally know anybody with cerebral palsy?

Answer Choices PercentageResponses
Yes81.96%586
No18.04%129

Are you aware that cerebral palsy can vary in severity?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Yes81.96586
No18.04%129

If you were the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, how would you want to be treated?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
No different to anybody else17.34%121
I'd like special treatment to reflect the challenges we face9.89%69
I wouldn't ordinarily want us to be treated any differently to anybody else, but would welcome special treatment in certain situations where it is warranted (for instance being allowed on public transport first or being helped when visibly struggling to operate a wheelchair)72.78%508

If you were the parent of a child with cerebral palsy and you entered a room together, would you want people to be aware that your child had cerebral palsy?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
I would want everyone in a room to be aware that my child has cerebral palsy11.03%77
I wouldn't want anyone in a room to be aware that my child has cerebral palsy8.88%62
I wouldn't care whether or not anyone in a room was aware that my child has cerebral palsy80.09%559

What do you think would be the main difficulties of being the parent of a child with cerebral palsy?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Coming to terms with what has happened44.99%314
Wondering how things might have been different for your child and your family28.37%198
Finding time for yourself20.77%145
Finding time to spend with the rest of your family20.20%141
The reactions of others to your situation15.76%110
Potentially giving up your career to care for your child23.21%162
The financial implications of caring for your child42.55%297
Worrying about your child's health67.05%468
Worrying about your child 'fitting in'30.66%214
Other (please specify)1.58%11

If you were the parent of a child who had a severe form of cerebral palsy and required round-the-clock care, but you also had a full-time job, would you be willing to give up your career to provide it?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Yes85.10%594
No14.90%104

How would you feel in a situation where a person is 'over the top' in their sympathy and trying to help?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Thankful - you appreciate the effort they are making14.81%101
Frustrated - you just want your child to be treated like everyone else14.81%101
Angry - you are annoyed at the fuss they are making and want to be left alone4.55%31
Understanding - you understand that they are just trying to help56.30%384
Embarrassed - you don't want the attention for you or your child9.53%65

How would you feel if someone stares at your child and you believe this is due to their cerebral palsy?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Angry - you are annoyed that people think it is OK to stare at a person with a disability27.27%186
Understanding - you understand that people may not often encounter people with a disability37.39%255
Embarrassed - you are embarrassed for you and your child and the unwanted attention you are receiving13.64%93
Unconcerned - you accept that people may stare at your child, but you choose to ignore it21.70%148

How would you feel if a person approached you in public and asked what is ‘wrong’ with your child?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
Angry - you are annoyed that people could be so brazen and seemingly ill-informed about disability38.27%261
Understanding - you understand that some people may not know much about disability and are curious41.94%286
Embarrassed - you are embarrassed that you and your child are being singled out in a public setting9.24%63
Unconcerned - you accept that people will want to ask about your child, and this does not bother you10.56%72

Approximately how much compensation do you think is needed to provide specialist care for a child with cerebral palsy and to ensure they have financial security over their lifetime?

Answer ChoicesPercentageResponses
<£1,0002.50%17
£1,000 - £10,0002.06%14
£10,000 - £50,0006.47%44
£50,000 - £100,0008.24%56
£100,000 - £300,00011.47%78
£300,000 - £500,00012.50%85
£500,000 - £1 million24.56%167
£1 million - £3 million21.91%149
£3 million - £10 million7.50%51
>£10 million2.79%19
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