Jennifer Matthews: Willfulness is not considered a virtue in most five-year-olds, but Libby Hancock's determination has served her well. She's mastering tasks that should be out of her reach. Libby was born a twin -- 12 weeks early.
Susan Hancock: The Sunday after she was born, she had an IVH, which is an intra-ventricular hemorrhage, which means she has, from that brain damage, she now had CP.
Jennifer Matthews: CP, or cerebral palsy, is a condition that reflects damage to the developing brain. It usually affects body movement and muscle coordination. Psychologist Edward Taub thought a therapy for stroke patients might also help kids with CP.
Edward Taub: Children have a more plastic nervous system, so that if anything, the results ought to be at least as good as in adults and quite possibly better.
Jennifer Matthews: Taub and therapists tried constraint-induced therapy on their first young patient, Libby. They put a cast on Libby's good arm, forcing her to use only her affected arm for intensive play.
Edward Taub: She did not crawl. She did not push herself into a sitting position with the affected arm.
Susan Hancock: So, when she learned to crawl with that open hand, it was huge.
Jennifer Matthews: Now, Libby takes on new challenges everyday with a willful spirit that won't be constrained. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services