What is Cerebral Palsy? – A quick guide to understand your child’s diagnosis

Has your child been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy?

You may be hearing this term for the first time, or perhaps you’ve come across it before but still have many questions. That’s completely okay. You’re not alone,  and this guide is here to support you.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a developmental condition that affects movement, posture, balance, and coordination. It is caused by an early injury or difference in the developing brain — usually before, during, or shortly after birth. cerebral palsy is not progressive, which means it doesn’t get worse over time. But the challenges and support needs may change as your child grows.

Cerebral palsy can also be associated with differences in:

• Muscle tone and reflexes
• Speech and communication
• Eating, feeding, and swallowing
• Vision and hearing
• Learning or understanding
• Emotional regulation and social interaction

Each child with cerebral palsy is unique. Some may need only minimal support, while others may need more ongoing assistance in their daily lives.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are four main types of cerebral palsy, based on how and where movement is affected:

1. Spastic cerebral palsy

The most common type. Muscles are stiff, making movement difficult or tight. It may affect one side of the body (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or the entire body (quadriplegia).

2. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Movements may be uncontrolled, jerky, or twisting. Muscle tone can change, sometimes tight, sometimes loose. It can affect the face, arms, or the entire body.

3. Ataxic cerebral palsy

Balance and coordination are mainly affected. Children may walk unsteadily or have difficulty with tasks requiring precision like writing or buttoning clothes.

4. Mixed cerebral palsy

Some children show signs of more than one type. For example, a child may have both stiffness (spasticity) and uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia).

What causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy happens when a baby’s brain develops differently or is injured early in life. This can be due to:

• Lack of oxygen during birth
• Infections during pregnancy
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Head injury after birth
• Genetic conditions or brain malformations

It’s important to know that cerebral palsy is no one’s fault. It is not caused by anything a parent did or didn’t do during pregnancy or childbirth.

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

Early signs of CP can vary, but some things to look out for include:

In infants (0–6 months):

• Stiff or floppy body
• Head falls back when picked up
• Difficulty sucking or feeding
• Not smiling or making eye contact by 3 months
• Poor head control

In older babies (6–18 months):

• Not rolling over, sitting, or crawling at expected ages
• Using one hand more than the other
• Difficulty bringing hands together or to the mouth
• Muscle stiffness or loose, floppy limbs

These signs don’t always mean a child has CP but they are worth checking with a professional, especially if they persist.

What to do if you notice signs?

If you observe any of the early signs or have concerns about your child’s development:

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician
• Ask for a developmental screening or referral to a neurodevelopmental pediatrician
• You can also consult a child neurologist or a physiotherapist trained in early intervention

Early identification and intervention can make a huge difference in supporting your child’s strengths and minimizing barriers.

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

There is no single test for cerebral palsy. Diagnosis usually involves:

• A thorough developmental and medical history
• Neurological and physical examinations
• Brain imaging (like MRI or CT scans)
• Developmental assessments by a specialist

Cerebral palsy may be diagnosed as early as a few months of age, or later when delays become more noticeable.

How can you support a child with cerebral palsy?

There is no “cure” for cerebral palsy, but early and consistent support can help children thrive.

Support might include:

• Physiotherapy: To improve strength, balance, posture, and mobility
• Occupational therapy: To build independence in daily tasks
• Speech and language therapy: To support communication and feeding skills
• Assistive devices: Braces, walkers, wheelchairs, or communication tools
• Inclusive education plans: With accommodations and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Counseling or behavior therapy: To support emotional wellbeing

Every child’s plan should be personalized based on their unique strengths and needs.

Feeding and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy

Some children with CP may face challenges with feeding due to muscle tone differences in the mouth, jaw, or throat. Watch out for:

• Coughing or choking during meals
• Slow feeding or fatigue while eating
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Oral sensitivity or texture aversions

Support can include:

• Consultation with a speech-language therapist (for feeding and swallowing)
• Working with a nutritionist to ensure balanced meals
• Using feeding tools like adapted spoons or cups
• Safe feeding positions and techniques

Nutritional care is key to growth, energy, and overall health.

For more support

If you have questions about Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other developmental conditions, reach out to the Nayi Disha team.

Call/WhatsApp: 844-844-8996
Our team offers FREE support in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified health professional for proper guidance.