Yes, two of the seven McCaughey septuplets have disabilities. Alexis and Nathan were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy as toddlers, a condition that affects muscle control and movement. The other five children, Brandon, Joel, Kelsey, Kenny Jr., and Natalie, developed without major lasting disabilities, though several had minor health issues in early childhood.
How Premature Birth Raised the Risk
Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey’s septuplets were born on November 19, 1997, by cesarean delivery at 30.5 weeks gestational age, about ten weeks early. Premature birth is the single biggest risk factor for cerebral palsy, because the brain is still rapidly developing during the final weeks of pregnancy. Babies born before 32 weeks are especially vulnerable to disruptions in blood flow or oxygen delivery to the areas of the brain that control movement.
All seven babies survived, which was itself remarkable for a septuplet birth. But the combination of extreme prematurity and the physiological stress of sharing a womb with six siblings meant that some degree of neurological impact was likely for at least one or two of the children.
Alexis and Nathan’s Cerebral Palsy
Both Alexis and Nathan were diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy that primarily affected their ability to walk. As toddlers, they used walkers to get around, while their five siblings were walking and talking independently by age two. Nathan’s condition was somewhat more severe, and he underwent multiple surgeries during childhood to address spinal and leg issues related to his mobility. Over time, both children made significant progress. By their teenage years, Alexis was able to walk with a more typical gait, and Nathan had gained greater independence, though both continued to experience some physical limitations.
Alexis also dealt with digestive problems that caused frequent vomiting, a condition she shared with her sister Natalie. These gastrointestinal issues were separate from her cerebral palsy and were managed through childhood.
The Other Five Siblings
Brandon, Joel, Kelsey, Kenny Jr., and Natalie all reached their developmental milestones on a fairly typical timeline. By their second birthday, all five were walking and talking. That said, a few had minor health concerns. Kenny may have needed glasses, and Joel was expected to undergo surgery to correct a muscle condition that caused one of his eyes to drift and cross, a relatively common and treatable issue in young children. Natalie shared the digestive problems that Alexis experienced but did not have any mobility or neurological conditions.
As the septuplets grew up in Carlisle, Iowa, all seven attended the same school and participated in various activities. The family largely stepped back from public life after the children’s early years, giving occasional updates but keeping the details of their daily lives private. The septuplets graduated from high school together in 2016, and several went on to attend Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri.
What Cerebral Palsy Looks Like Long-Term
Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition, meaning it does not get worse over time. The brain injury that causes it happens once, typically around birth, and the resulting movement difficulties remain relatively stable. However, the way those difficulties play out in daily life can change as a person grows. Physical therapy, surgeries to lengthen tight muscles or correct skeletal alignment, and assistive devices can all improve mobility and independence over the years.
For Alexis and Nathan specifically, the public details about their adult lives are limited. The McCaughey family has chosen not to share extensive medical updates, which is understandable given the intense media scrutiny that surrounded the septuplets from birth. What is clear from their later teenage appearances is that both were active, social, and engaged in their education alongside their siblings, living with their conditions rather than being defined by them.