What is Cerebral Palsy and how does it affect the child?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement, muscle coordination, balance and posture. It begins when the developing brain is affected before, during or soon after birth. The condition affects each child differently. Some children may need support with movement while others may need ongoing assistance with everyday activities.

Understanding cerebral palsy can help parents recognise concerns, seek professional advice and find suitable support for their child. With care, therapy and family support, children can develop skills, participate in daily activities and work towards their personal goals.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions caused by development or damage to the developing brain that affects the body’s ability to control movement. The brain-related changes that cause cerebral palsy do not progressively worsen, although symptoms, physical needs and related health conditions may change over time.

Cerebral palsy can affect how a child sits, stands, walks, holds objects or performs tasks. Some children may also have difficulties with speech, swallowing, vision or learning. However, not every child experiences these challenges.

Every child with palsy has individual strengths, abilities and support needs. A diagnosis helps families and professionals understand these needs and plan care.

What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy symptoms can become noticeable during infancy or early childhood. They may affect movement, muscle tone, coordination and the achievement of milestones.

Common symptoms and signs may include:

• Muscles: Muscles may feel tight, making movement difficult.
• Floppy muscles: A child’s body may feel less firm than expected.
• Delayed movement milestones: A child may take longer to roll over, sit, stand or walk.
• Movements: Some children may have involuntary or jerky movements.
• Balance and coordination difficulties: A child may find it harder to maintain balance or perform movements.
• Differences in walking: Some children may walk on their toes. Have an uneven walking pattern.
• Speech or swallowing difficulties: Some children may need support with communication or feeding.

The symptoms and their severity vary from child to child. Some of these signs can also occur for reasons of cerebral palsy. They do not confirm a diagnosis on their own.

Parents who notice concerns about their child’s movement or development should consult a healthcare professional for an assessment.

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect a Child?

Cerebral palsy can affect parts of a child’s body and daily life. Some children experience movement difficulties in their legs, while others have challenges involving their arms, trunk or the whole body.

The condition may affect activities such as walking, sitting, holding objects, dressing or eating. Some children may also experience communication, vision, hearing, feeding or learning-related difficulties.

However, cerebral palsy does not affect every child in the same way. A movement-related disability does not automatically mean that a child has a disability.

Children also have interests, abilities and strengths. Families and professionals can work together to identify ways to support their participation, communication and independence.

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed through developmental assessments. Healthcare professionals may review the child’s history, observe movement and assess muscle tone, posture and coordination.

The assessment may involve specialists and other healthcare professionals. Additional tests, including brain imaging, may be recommended when needed.

If you notice delays in movement milestones or other developmental concerns, speak with your child’s doctor. Early assessment can help families understand the child’s needs and explore support.

Support and Treatment for Children With Cerebral Palsy

No treatment works for every child with cerebral palsy. Support depends on the child’s movement, communication, daily activities and other individual needs.

A care plan may include:

• Physiotherapy: Supports movement, strength, balance and mobility.
• Occupational therapy: Helps children develop skills for activities such as dressing, eating and playing.
• Speech and language therapy: Supports communication. May help with feeding or swallowing difficulties.
• Assistive devices: Walkers, wheelchairs, braces and communication aids may help children participate in life.
• Medical care: Healthcare professionals may recommend medicines or other interventions to manage symptoms or related conditions.

Parents should work with professionals to understand the benefits and limitations of each option. Support plans should be reviewed as the child’s needs change.

How Can Parents Support a Child With Cerebral Palsy?

Parents and caregivers play a role in helping children build skills and participate in everyday life. Helpful steps include:

• Follow the child’s care and therapy plan.
• Adapt home activities to make them safer and more accessible.
• Encourage play, communication and participation at the child’s pace.
• Work with teachers and therapists to support the child’s needs at home and school.
• Recognise the child’s strengths. Celebrate progress without comparing them with other children.
• Connect with families to share experiences and learn about available support.

Children benefit when their needs are understood, and they have opportunities to participate in family and community life.

Find Support With Nayi Disha

Learning about cerebral palsy can help families make informed decisions, but parents do not have to navigate the journey alone. Nayi Disha offers information and support for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join Nayi Disha Support Groups to connect with other families, share experiences and find a supportive community.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other Intellectual Disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please get in touch with our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or WhatsApp us. Our counsellors speak different languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.​

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main cause of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy results from abnormal development or damage to the developing brain, affecting movement and muscle control. This can happen before, during or shortly after birth. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

2. What are 5 symptoms of cerebral palsy?

Five common symptoms of cerebral palsy are:

1. Stiff or floppy muscles.
2. Delays in movement milestones, such as sitting or walking.
3. Uncontrolled or involuntary movements.
4. Difficulties with balance and coordination.
5. Differences in walking, such as walking on tiptoes.

Symptoms vary from child to child, and these signs alone do not confirm cerebral palsy. 

3. How does cerebral palsy affect the body?

Cerebral palsy mainly affects movement, muscle control, balance and posture. It may also affect walking, eating, speaking or swallowing. Some children experience additional challenges with vision, hearing or learning, while others may not. The effects depend on the individual child’s needs. 

4. Is cerebral palsy genetic?

Cerebral palsy is not usually inherited simply. It can result from several factors affecting brain development, and genetic changes may contribute to some cases. Having a genetic factor does not automatically mean that cerebral palsy will be passed from parent to child. Families concerned about genetic risks can consult a qualified healthcare professional or genetic counsellor. 

5. What is stage 1 of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is not usually classified into stages. However, Level I in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) describes children who can walk without the limitations assessed by that system. It does not mean the child has the earliest stage of cerebral palsy or has no support needs. A healthcare professional can explain the child’s functional classification and individual needs.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.