Clearly we have a terminology problem. One of the ways I describe myself, particularly when networking with other people who have cerebral palsy, is very high functioning. Some days, particularly if you are not very observant, I integrate pretty well with the able-bodied.
But follow me around, and you will soon discover levels of pain and fatigue that are difficult, and have a diagnosis.
It took me a long time to realize that everyone else who was standing on the PATH train was not experiencing a gym quality work out and 6 out of 10 pain. (I don't stand on the PATH anymore.)
There was a poignant moment maybe 8 years ago, when I was working in Newark, NJ. I took a nasty spill on the way down Raymond Boulevard. I'm used to skinned knees, so why was I crying hysterically? Because I was looking straight in the face of something I was having trouble accepting. My spiritual work since then has been to accept that I am ...
Different
Challenged
Handicapped (I've heard we only handicap horses.)
Wobbly
Stubborn
Able to get back up (so far)
A Falling Hazard