Christene,
                I am fifty-years-old, and having cp, I've been around it
all my life.  I have seen several people who have been labeled
"hopelessly retarded" when they were small children who
have graduated from college, become good parents and
live independent lives.  Since the way some people
measure IQ in small children is based on motor skills
development, the kid with cp. won't do as well.
        We can use labels to get better services, but we
must choose not to get stuck with the labels
that aee not helpful and limit our development.
Mariana Ruybalid

At 02:58 PM 9/12/00 , Christene Eggie wrote:
>I've never posted here before, so, forgive me if I'm not doing this right.  I
>wanted to post somewhere where people would understand.  My 1 year old was
>diagnosed with CP when he was 6 1/2 mos. old.  He gets therapy 5 times per
>week and I thought he was doing wonderful.  He's eating now, rolling over,
>playing, smiling and is so happy.  However, due to an inconclusive MRI, I
>asked for a second opinion.  I wanted to make sure we weren't missing
>anything.  I just came home from the worst appointment.  The new neurologist
>said he is functioning at a 2-3 month level and has low intelligence.
>Hello???  He is 13 mos. and everyone who works with him says he has come so
>far.  In fact cognitively, he's close to at level on the charts.  Physically
>is another story.  I'm so irate that a doctor would make that type of
>judgment after seeing him for 15 minutes.  So many factors could have been
>involved, maybe he was tired, hungry, didn't like him.  I don't deny my son
>has developmental delays, I am not in denial.  In fact I'm the one who
>insisted on seeing a neurologist.  What a quack!!!  Does anyone have any
>input?  I guess I just wanted to rant!
>Thanks,
>Christene
>