Challenging cerebral palsy misconceptions: Holly’s story

This cerebral palsy awareness month, families and legal experts are speaking out to challenge persistent misconceptions around cerebral palsy, from assumptions about quality of life to misunderstandings about its causes.

Just as every birth, every baby and every family is different, cerebral palsy is a condition that impacts everyone living with it differently. Some children have mild mobility challenges, while others may require full-time care and support. However, the reality of physical challenges as well as communication difficulties can lead to false assumptions about the individual’s ability.

For Holly’s mother, Fiona, these assumptions are not just frustrating, they shape how her daughter is seen every day.

“One of the hardest things,” Fiona explains, “is that people sometimes see the wheelchair before they see Holly. They assume limitations before they see her personality – her determination, her humour.”

It’s a misconception that shapes everyday interactions, often unintentionally excluding children like Holly. Fiona says even small shifts in people’s behaviour such as speaking directly to Holly, including her in conversations, can make such a powerful difference.

Daily life with cerebral palsy

While cerebral palsy does bring challenges, Fiona is keen to reframe the narrative.

“People can assume our life must be sad or full of struggle,” she says. “The reality is that while there are challenges, there is also enormous joy.”

Daily life may move at a different pace, shaped by therapies, appointments and accessibility considerations. But those differences have also transformed the family’s outlook.

“We celebrate things others might take for granted. A new skill, a moment of independence, a determined effort… those moments mean everything.”

Fiona also highlights how media portrayals often miss the reality of life with cerebral palsy.

“The stories you see online tend to show extremes – either ‘miracle’ moments or the hardest struggles. Real life sits somewhere in between.”

She adds that these misconceptions often translate into everyday barriers.

“Accessibility matters more than people realise. Something as simple as a step, a narrow doorway, or an activity that isn’t adapted can quietly exclude someone.

“When people take a moment to think about inclusion, it can completely change someone’s experience.”

Cerebral palsy negligence claims

Alongside these social misconceptions, many families are also navigating complex and emotional questions about how their child’s condition arose.

According to Rebecca Pearey, a solicitor specialising in birth injury cases, most parents initially seek clarity.

“They want to know whether they received a reasonable standard of care,” she explains. “They ask whether their child’s injuries could have been avoided.”

These questions can be difficult to answer. Legal claims involving cerebral palsy must meet a high threshold, requiring proof not only that care fell below a reasonable standard, but also that it directly caused the injury.

“Even if there has been substandard care, if the outcome would have been the same, the claim won’t succeed,” Rebecca says.

For families, understanding whether clinical negligence played a role can feel overwhelming.

Rebecca encourages parents to take early steps, such as accessing NHS birth reflection services, documenting their experiences, and seeking specialist legal advice, even if they are unsure whether malpractice occurred.

“Parents don’t need to have all the answers before speaking to a solicitor,” she says. “We guide them through the process step by step.”

She also reassures families that fears about court proceedings are often unfounded.

“A very small percentage of cases ever reach trial,” she explains. “Our role is not just legal, it’s about supporting families and helping them access the care and resources their child needs.”

For Every Birth. For Every Baby. For Every Family.

Both Fiona and Rebecca agree that one of the most important shifts needed is in how society understands cerebral palsy.

For Fiona, the most powerful moments come when people see beyond assumptions.

“Children with cerebral palsy are still children first.”

“They have personalities, opinions, friendships, and dreams. Progress can take time, and the journey can be unpredictable, but it is also filled with pride, love, and incredible strength.”

Her message is simple but profound:

“Cerebral palsy doesn’t define who Holly is. It’s just one part of her.”