THE father of a young boy born with just two toes on each foot is desperate to see his son go to school.
Duan Deyuan’s son, known as Chang Chang, was also born with cerebral palsy.
Duan, 41, from Luotian County in Huanggang City in China, who married his wife in 2008 and has a daughter, also suffers from the same foot problem.
He said his greatest hope was to see his five-year-old son go to school one day.
The construction worker said local schools have refused to enrol Chang because he cannot speak, which is thought to be the result of his cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination.
It’s usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth.
Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy aren’t obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a child’s life.
According to the NHS symptoms can include delays in reaching development milestones, weakness in the arms or legs, jerky or clumsy movements, speaking problems and learning difficulties.
The severity of symptoms can vary – some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled.
Cerebral palsy can occur if a baby’s brain doesn’t develop normally while in the womb – or is damaged during or soon after birth.
HEALTH FACTS What is cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms in babies and children, what are the causes and types?
Despite his foot problems, Chang has learned to walk and Duan hopes he can be enrolled in a school for special needs children.
Duan does not know how he will fund his little boy’s education and hopes the government will help with a subsidy.
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