Mothers navigate the journey of raising children with cerebral palsy

October 4, 2025

Healthcaretoday, Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Awareness, Special needs parenting, Tender Touch Pediatric Rehab, Pediatric Rehab, Disability inclusion, Special needs children, CP Warriors, Mothers love, Disability awareness, Parenting journey, CP Awareness,

In the quiet space before therapy, Siti Khadijah feeds her daughter Safira, a silent conversation filled with the pain of what can never be and the enduring hope for what might still be.

With tender hands and a heavy heart, Sharfiza Abdul Aziz, Founder of Tender Touch Pediatric Rehab, softly massages little Diya Safiya's motionless limbs. At just five years old, Diya's world was shattered when a drowning incident stole her movement and transformed her vibrant childhood into one of silence and stillness. Now trapped in a body paralyzed by cerebral palsy, her once-bright eyes tell the story of a life interrupted too soon.

Cerebral palsy is more than a medical term—it's a life-altering condition that affects movement and posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth. Symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years, ranging from mild to severe. Children with cerebral palsy may experience exaggerated reflexes, floppy or stiff muscles, irregular posture, and uncontrollable movements. Some may struggle with swallowing, experience eye muscle imbalance, or have reduced range of motion in their joints. The condition varies from person to person. Some have intellectual disabilities, while others do not. There is no cure, but treatments can significantly improve function and quality of life.

Siti Khadijah's journey: From despair to hope
When Siti Khadijah Abdul Halim's daughter Safira was born, she seemed like a perfectly normal child. But at 11 months, everything changed. Safira had a seizure that temporarily paralyzed her, leaving her mother terrified and confused.

"I thought my daughter was dead," Siti recalls, her voice trembling with the memory. "We had no family history of seizures. We didn't know what was happening."

After the seizure, Siti noticed developmental delays. By four months, Safira couldn't sit or crawl. After nine months of observation, they sought medical help, beginning a seven-year journey before finally receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis. An MRI revealed maldevelopments in Safira's brain structure.

For years, Safira couldn't smile, cry, or control her head movements. Traditional physiotherapy showed no results. Then, another mother introduced Siti to a support group that led them to Tender Touch Pediatric Rehab.

"Safira has changed a lot since starting rehabilitation here," Siti says with a smile. "She can now sit, has improved head control, and can smile. She can't talk, but she communicates through sounds. If I ask if she wants to eat, she responds with whines or cries."

Though Safira no longer calls her "mama" as she once did, Siti has accepted her daughter's condition with grace. "At first, I couldn't accept it. But now, I support Safira completely. My family supports me emotionally."

Norazulah's story: Finding strength in adversity
For Norazulah Hisham, life changed dramatically when her daughter Diya Safiya drowned at age five. The incident left Diya paralyzed and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. As a single mother since her husband's passing in 2022, Norazulah faces additional challenges, though she's grateful for the support from her in-laws.

"We do a lot of therapy for her," Norazulah shares. "We've been coming to Tender Touch Pediatric Rehab for two years now. Previously, Diya had treatment at several places and even used a tracheostomy tube for a year and a half."

The progress, though slow, brings immense joy. "She's able to express her emotions now, showing what she likes or dislikes. Her eye movements have improved compared to before."

Norazulah's greatest hope was for her daughter to achieve head control. "Now, I can see that she can do it. When we hold her, she's able to turn her head left or right. Children like her need physiotherapy. More therapy sessions would benefit them even more.

The power of support and early intervention
Both mothers found hope through specialized rehabilitation centers and support groups. These communities provide not just therapy, but emotional support and practical guidance for navigating the challenges of raising children with cerebral palsy.

Early intervention is crucial. The sooner children begin appropriate therapies, the better their outcomes. Physical therapy helps improve movement and strength, occupational therapy assists with daily living skills, and speech therapy addresses communication challenges.

A call for understanding and inclusion
Children with cerebral palsy may face physical limitations, but they have the same emotional needs as all children. They deserve love, respect, and opportunities to participate in society to the fullest extent possible.

As Siti and Norazulah's stories show, the journey is challenging, but progress is possible. With proper support, understanding, and access to appropriate therapies, children with cerebral palsy can reach their full potential and experience the joy of achievement, however small the steps may seem.

Mothers navigate the journey of raising children with cerebral palsy

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