Robin:

I hope and pray your son's health improves. How is he doing in school? Are
people picking on him because of his disability? Before he had this problem
how was his social life?

I am a 41 year old man with CP. When I was in High School I was very
conscience of my looks and I was backwards in part because of my speech
defect. I went to a Special Ed School so I was not picked on in school.  I
was interested in girls but they were not interested in me. I sometimes was
angry and got frustrated at myself but I used that to improve and to
concentrate on being the best I could be. I was immature and through temper
tantrums which was wrong but that was a way to release my emotions. I never
harmed anyone or myself

When he is well enough he must face his strengths and weaknesses and
hopefully he can be positive about his future. You may want to set goals he
can accomplish so he can build up his self esteem. He has to always try to
improve physically, mentally and spiritually if he is religious. There are
many ways we as disabled people can improve and make adjustments in our lives
but there is no cure for CP.

I want to help you and your son. I do not have the answers to help you but
the most important thing you can do is talk to him and keep the lines of
communication open. I hope you take care of yourself and do not blame
yourself for this happening. There are many people that are disabled that go
through depression. I believe part of the problem could be that we have more
time to dwell on the negative aspects of life. We need to use forums like
this one to support and encourage people

Please let us know how both of you are doing

Stephen Allman