What Is Cerebral Palsy? A Complete Guide for Families

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is an umbrella term describing a group of permanent, non-progressive neurological conditions that affect movement, posture, and coordination. The word cerebral refers to the brain, and palsy refers to weakness or problems with using the muscles.

CP is caused by damage to — or abnormal development of — the parts of the brain that control movement. This damage occurs before, during, or shortly after birth, while the brain is still developing. Importantly, although the brain injury itself does not worsen over time, the effects on the body can change as a child grows.

Many people with CP live full, independent lives, attend mainstream schools, pursue careers, and participate in sport and community life. With the right early intervention and support, outcomes continue to improve significantly.

Prevalence in Australia

Australia has some of the most comprehensive cerebral palsy data in the world, thanks to the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register and organisations such as Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

CP affects people of all backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities equally. It occurs slightly more often in boys than girls, and premature babies have a higher risk — though the majority of children with CP are born at or near full term.

Causes & Risk Factors

In many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy cannot be identified. What we do know is that it results from disruption to normal brain development or an injury to the developing brain. These can occur:

Before birth (Prenatal)

• Infections during pregnancy (e.g. rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis)
• Genetic factors or random errors in brain development
• Reduced blood or oxygen supply to the developing brain
• Severe maternal illness or injury

During birth (Perinatal)

• Oxygen deprivation during labour and delivery (birth asphyxia)
• Premature birth (before 37 weeks) — especially before 28 weeks
• Low birth weight
• Multiple births (twins, triplets)

After birth (Postnatal)

• Meningitis or encephalitis in early infancy
• Severe head injury
• Stroke in the newborn period

Types of Cerebral Palsy

CP is classified by the type of movement impairment and by the parts of the body affected. Understanding the type can help guide therapy and support planning.

Clinicians also describe CP by topography — which limbs are involved: hemiplegia (one side), diplegia (mainly legs), or quadriplegia (all four limbs).

Signs & Symptoms

Signs of CP vary enormously depending on the type and severity, and they may become more apparent as a baby grows and misses developmental milestones.

In babies (0–12 months)

• Unusual muscle tone — too floppy (hypotonia) or too stiff (hypertonia)
• Delay in reaching motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling)
• Favours one hand consistently before 12 months
• Arching the back and neck when crying, as if pushing away
• Feeding or swallowing difficulties

In toddlers & older children

• Delayed walking, or walking on tiptoes
• Scissor gait (knees crossing when walking)
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks (writing, using cutlery)
• Problems with speech and language development
• Involuntary movements or tremors

Getting a Diagnosis in Australia

There is no single test for cerebral palsy. Diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment of movement, development, muscle tone, and reflexes, combined with imaging and history.

Diagnostic tools used in Australia

• Brain MRI — reveals structural brain differences in ~85% of children with CP
• Cranial ultrasound — commonly used for premature newborns
• General Movements Assessment (GMA) — a validated early detection tool used from birth to ~5 months
• Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) — assesses neurological function in infants
• Developmental assessment tools — to evaluate motor milestones and function

Australia is a world leader in early diagnosis. Through programs like CP-Check and advances in GMA, some babies can now receive a reliable diagnosis as early as 3–5 months of age — enabling earlier access to therapy and better outcomes.

Treatment & Therapies

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a wide range of evidence-based interventions can significantly improve function, independence, and quality of life. Treatment is always tailored to the individual child.

Allied Health Therapies

• Physiotherapy (PT) — strengthens muscles, improves movement, mobility and balance
• Occupational therapy (OT) — builds fine motor skills, independence in daily tasks, assistive technology
• Speech-language pathology — supports communication, feeding, and swallowing
• Orthoptics — addresses vision problems common in CP
• Hydrotherapy — water-based therapy to improve strength and reduce spasticity pain

Medical & Surgical Interventions

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections — temporarily reduces spasticity in specific muscles
• Oral medications — e.g. Baclofen to reduce muscle stiffness
• Intrathecal Baclofen pump — delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid for severe spasticity
• Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) — surgical procedure that can permanently reduce spasticity
• Orthopaedic surgery — corrects bone and muscle deformities to improve posture and gait

Assistive Technology & Equipment

Assistive technology plays a crucial role for many people with CP. This can include communication devices (AAC), powered wheelchairs, standing frames, orthotics (splints and braces), adapted keyboards, and environmental controls. Funding through the NDIS (see below) can assist with costs.

NDIS & Support Services

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is Australia's landmark funding system for people with permanent and significant disabilities. Most Australians with cerebral palsy are eligible for NDIS funding from early childhood.

NDIS funding can cover:

• Early childhood intervention and therapy (Physiotherapy, OT, Speech)
• Assistive technology (wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics)
• Personal care and support workers
• Home modifications
• Community access and social participation
• Supported accommodation and respite care
• Plan management and support coordination

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)

Children under 9 with developmental concerns can access supports through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, often without a formal diagnosis. This makes it easier for families to get help quickly while awaiting assessment.

How to Apply

• Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au
• Gather supporting reports from your child's GP, paediatrician, or therapists
• Submit an access request — a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will guide you through the planning process
• Seek help from organisations like Cerebral Palsy Alliance, who offer NDIS support navigation

Education & Schooling

Children with cerebral palsy have the right to attend their local school and access quality education. All Australian states and territories have legislation requiring schools to provide reasonable adjustments for students with disability.

Types of educational settings

• Mainstream school with support — most common and recommended where possible; teacher aides, adjusted curriculum, assistive technology
• Support or resource units — within mainstream schools for students with higher support needs
• Special schools — for students who require intensive, specialised support

Your child's rights

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, schools must consult with families, provide reasonable adjustments, and ensure participation in education on the same basis as other students. If you face barriers, the Australian Human Rights Commission can provide guidance.

Key Australian Resources

You are not alone. Australia has a strong network of organisations dedicated to supporting people with CP and their families.

💡Every journey is different — and you don't walk it alone.

A cerebral palsy diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right support, therapies, and community around you, children with CP can — and do — thrive. Start by speaking to your GP or paediatrician, connect with Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and explore what the NDIS can do for your family.

📞 Get Support Today

If your family is navigating cerebral palsy and NDIS, we are here to help.

👉 Contact Viangelic today:

📞 Phone: 0483 223 662

📧 Email: info@viangelic.com

🌐 Website: viangelic.com