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Some startling is inevitable.  You can't stop all sudden noises.  Unfortunately.

 

But there is a lot you can do.  Always of course, when in doubt, ask your clients.

 

A general suggestion is to warn people before you move them or touch them, especially from behind.  If you need to move part of someone's body, say "I'm going to buckle your seat belt now" or whatver and then wait a few seconds before doing it.

 

One pet peeve of mine is that whenever someone accidentlay  startles me just walking into the room and talking to me while I'm lost in thought, they are always like "I didn't mean to scare you!"   People with CP often startle, it doesn't necessarily mean we're scared and doesn't always need an appology.  Especially from people I work with who know I have CP and startle.  If they actually DID something to me, like grab from behind, then I'd want an appology but that's different.

I'm curious.....I don't have CP........but I've always had a heightened startle response...........noises........being touched unexpectedly....yes.........but even to the point where I found it impossible to play those computer games.......popular in the 70's...............the control panel made me so nervous .......I had to stop after only a few minutes.......my kids thought it was funny.......my stomach stayed upset for hours........isn't that strange ?................peace and love.......Norma

 Thanks for this thread, I have a heightened startle response but i don't have CP. I always was told and thought that I was a scardy cat cause of my reactions to sudden actions by others or loud noises like firecrackers.

I am a polio survivior. post polio syndrom now,  I can only watch firecrackers on television, with the volume down, the real things no way. Remember screaming as a child in fear of semi truck rumbling pass our home. Still startle badly if grandson jumps out and says "boo" to me or if  someone touches me without me knowing they were there. Comforting to know that its not just a solitary quirk but is something that can be put in a catagory.

Blessings

Becky W

Hey,

I am new here, love those shirts! Tipping hazard, Great!!! Anyway I am 38 married with kids, I jump at lots of things I am not as bad as when I was a kid but still it happens. My kids can't figure it out! LOL

Jen

Has someone startled me because it was funny to them? YES! Friends, and family my kids sometimes. I tell them when I die because one day I'll fall & get killed it wont be so funny!