A woman whose son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy during lockdown is praising a North Glasgow charity that supported them.
Leanne Miller and her husband Scott turned to Cerebral Palsy Scotland (CPS) following two-year-old Nate's diagnosis.
The 35-year-old said: "They have helped us with advice, specialist therapy, links to other organisations.
“The diagnosis process was hard because it’s difficult to diagnose cerebral palsy conclusively, and during the pandemic it was harder to get appointments.
“I think it’s really scary, especially when you don’t know a lot about what the condition is.
“But as time goes on, we can see the bright future for Nate and the other children with CP.
“They deserve to live their life to the fullest potential. Raising awareness and accessing the correct treatment at the appropriate time is what makes the difference.
“Once we had the diagnosis and even before, CPS were happy to get involved and give advice. They become a focal point and outlet for families who have nowhere else to turn.
“They are willing to have a very candid conversation with you about the condition, whereas health professionals in the NHS can be a bit guarded. Understandably, they don’t want to tell you things they haven’t confirmed yet.
“They are a place for families to go to. We are unbelievably grateful."
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Leanne knew "virtually nothing" of the condition prior to her son's diagnosis but has since been actively involved in the community as she frequently takes part in fundraising efforts.
CPS is based in North Glasgow's High Craighall Road. It is a one-of-a-kind charity focusing on families affected by cerebral palsy.
About the organisation, Leanne said: “We trust them implicitly. We ask for their advice on lots of different things and are really interested in their opinions all the time.
“There is a need for organisations like CPS because there is a gap in terms of the services that people with cerebral palsy receive.
“That gap, especially in therapy, is not necessarily available widely. If they didn’t exist, I think that we would have to probably spend quite a lot of money on private appointments, trying to get the support that they are able to provide."
As part of Word Cerebral Palsy Day, the charity is holding a conference at Hampden Park today to provide an opportunity for the community to get together and share information and experiences.
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The mum-of-one said: “I am looking forward to just learning. CP is such a complex disability and a really interesting community. There is also lots of new research out there, as well as therapies and treatments."
Cerebral palsy is a condition which affects a person's ability to move, maintain balance and posture.
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