Cerebral Palsy makes muscle control and coordination difficult and for many people affected with CP, simply standing still can be a challenge.

Five-year-old Joshua Williams' efforts to get out and go are a major accomplishment with each and every step, Townsend reported.

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Williams was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 1.

"With him having a twin, we had a built in, you know, thermostat; normal and when Adam was sitting up and Joshua wasn't, he also had trouble rolling over," his mother JoAnna Williams said.

Cerebral Palsy has limited Williams' ability to walk, a challenge he works hard to overcome Lite Gait therapy several times a week. 

"When I started with him he wasn't walking with his crutches yet, he was just starting, and so he really started doing a great job on the Lite Gait," said Blair Ballard, a physical therapist at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

When Williams first started therapy, he could do 20 minutes on the treadmill, and now he is up to nearly an hour, Townsend reported.

Experts said developing these skills early in kids with Cerebral Palsy increases their chances for independence.

"When they hit adolescence, we see a decrease in their skills," said Dr. Amy Newmeyer. "The chance of us seeing them at these younger ages and building up those skills and endurance will make a big difference for them long term."

Williams' parents are seeing the signs of improvement too.

"His willingness to be independent as far getting off bikes at home, getting on and off chairs," JoAnna Williams said.

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