October 3 is celebrated as the National Cerebral Palsy day all across the country  Cerebral Palsy is a brain disorder which affects mostly children and many children in India are suffering from this Cerebral Palsy  CP 
Indian Academy of Cerebral Palsy  IACP   a national body formed by doctors and rehab professionals from across the country dedicated to promote awareness of Cerebral Palsy and other related spectrum of Neuro Developmental Disorders at professional  educational  community and social levels  undertakes Cerebral Palsy Awareness Program to raise more and more awareness against this disabling disease
IACP recently organized this awareness program across Indian cities  As part of this program  various cultural activities such as street plays  fancy dress competition  painting competition  song and dance programs and poster display were undertaken both for and by the CP kids with the help of their therapists  parents caregivers and volunteers
There are an estimated over 25 lakh children and people in India with Cerebral Palsy  The incidence of Cerebral Palsy is up to 3 cases per 1000 live births  The disease mainly occurs due to interference in brain development  causes difficulty in movement  speech and sometimes learning of the children  This occurs either in the womb  or during birth  due to accidental damage to the brain or even after two years of birth during which rapid development of the brain takes place
 Cerebral Palsy  CP  is the most common childhood impairment affecting every three out of 1000 live births in our country  Although 50 60 of children with Cerebral Palsy have normal intelligence and can be educated in normal schools and pursue wide range of careers  this brain disorder is grossly misunderstood resulting in a general apathy towards the sufferers by the society at large  The observation of National Cerebral palsy Day will help us in spreading awareness about this relatively lesser known but highly prevalent disorder   says Dr  Ashok N  Johari  President IACP
According to Dr  G Shashikala  General Secretary  IACP   The disease is becoming a curse for many patients and their families due to poor awareness levels among people  even though several medicinal remedies and advanced treatments are available to cope with this condition  People should be sensitive towards the sufferers of Cerebral Palsy  Keeping this in mind we are making every possible effort to create more and more awareness in the society for early detection and timely care ensures that the patients can lead a near normal life 
Each year on National Cerebral Palsy day IACP members conduct several activities such as awareness camps  painting  sports and cultural activities for persons with Cerebral Palsy at their respective cities and hospitals  Besides this  informative exhibitions  training workshops  open house sessions and round table discussions also take place with participation of children  parents  professionals and public
A recent study has found that in 10 to 20 percent of patients  cerebral palsy is acquired after birth  mainly because of brain lesions caused by bacterial meningitis  viral encephalitis  accident or physical assault
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type  occurring in 70 to 80 percent of all cases  In some cases it affects one side of the body due to brain pathology in opposite side  In few spastic cases  all four limbs are affected equally  The disability can also affect one’s skills such as writing  typing  using scissors as well as balancing the body while walking or standing  Some cannot even hold objects  eat or drink without help   may have fits
About Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy  CP  is an umbrella term for a group of disorders affecting body movement  balance  and posture  Loosely translated  cerebral palsy means  brain paralysis   Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage in one or more parts of the brain that control muscle tone and motor activity  movement   The resulting impairments first appear early in life  usually in infancy or early childhood  Infants with cerebral palsy are usually slow to reach developmental milestones such as rolling over  sitting  crawling  and walking  Cerebral Palsy patients have difficulty in controlling and coordinating muscles  This makes even very simple movements difficult  There is no cure for cerebral palsy  With early and ongoing treatment  however  the disabilities associated with cerebral palsy can be reduced  Many different therapies are available  most under the supervision of a medical specialist or other allied professional
About IACP: The Indian Academy Of Cerebral Palsy is a national body consisting of pioneers drawn from different regions and specialties  across the country  sharing a common futuristic vision to contribute to the welfare of persons with Cerebral Palsy  The aim of this organization is to promote awareness of Cerebral Palsy and other related spectrum of Neuro Developmental Disorders at Professional  Educational  Community   Social levels as important group of health initiatives which need our urgent attention and action both at care and prevention levels  Dr  M S  Mahadevaiah and Dr  Ashok Johari are the Chairman and Vice Chairman of IACP  respectively