Spastics have minds that work, but bodies that can't
Cerebral Palsy is a disability resulting from damage to the brain before or during the birth and is manifested by muscular in-coordination and speech disturbances. They have been victims of public misunderstanding from the time that William John Little, MD, the English physician, recognised and publicised them in the year 1843. As a research project, the present investigators wanted to exp lore the world of spastic children by selecting artistry as the medium of expression of their thoughts, feelings, problems and needs. The study, through natural and participant observation as well as through interviews with counsellors, psychologists and medical professionals drew profiles of spastic children. The analysis of their drawings/paintings reflected their healthy bent of mind, positive attitudes towards life and necessity to be surrounded by happiness and healthy conditions. The study on the basis of their findings has given some concrete suggestions for the teachers and the parents with a proper accent on the following: ‘The disabled are people too. All people are different. What is so special about their difference?’