Year of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MALS: Social Sciences
Directing Professor
Lorraine Lange
Abstract
Abstract: The Silent Scream (a memoir) is one woman’s journey across six decades, dealing with physical and mental health conditions. The author discusses the interplay between Cerebral Palsy and childhood trauma, exploring the challenges of family, healthcare, and education, and the stress experienced by these individuals, with implications for all people. Vignettes and stream-of-consciousness allow the reader to experience various times, places, and thoughts of an individual with many disabilities. The narrative analyzes language development, its role in childhood trauma, the power of biopsychosocial factors to create, intensify, recognize, and manage stress, the importance of empowerment and learning to identify and meet needs, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and services. She advocates for trauma-informed and life-long learning, ongoing counseling, and awareness, and proposes engagement is its own outcome.
The memoir adds depth to lifespan care discourse, most specifically for those with childhood-onset disability, Cerebral Palsy, and childhood trauma; as well as some insight into unique dynamics faced by military families. The narrative voice provides perception, aiding in identifying and meeting complex care needs: compelling perspectives may assist in developing care models and contextualizing treatment implications. Cerebral Palsy and comorbidities reverberate and have a generational impact; they should be viewed holistically, with the help given to comprehend and manage stressors. Communication is vital to stability. Language development and ongoing learning help address needs and fears. Disabled individuals should be assisted in building trusting relationships and a stable environment.
Recommended Citation
Gettys, Christine Roberts, "The Silent Scream" (2024). Liberal Studies (MA) Final Essays, Hollins University. 61.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/malsfe/61