Understanding a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Learning that your child has cerebral palsy can bring many emotions. You may feel worried, confused, overwhelmed, or unsure about what comes next. Every family experiences this news differently.
It is important to know that you are not alone. Support is available, and many children and adults with cerebral palsy live full, meaningful, and rewarding lives. The right support can help your child develop skills, take part in everyday activities, and reach their goals.
How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Families often have different experiences on the path to diagnosis.
Some babies may have been born early, experienced complications around birth, or shown signs that their brain development needed closer monitoring. These babies may have tests such as an MRI.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a scan that helps doctors see changes or injuries in the brain.
Other children are born at full term. Families may first become concerned when their child is not yet reaching some developmental milestones, such as:
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rolling
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sitting
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crawling
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walking
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using their hands
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making sounds
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talking
These differences may lead to further assessment and support.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy happens because of an injury or change in the developing brain. This can occur:
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before birth
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during birth
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after birth while the brain is still developing
A later diagnosis does not mean the brain injury has become worse.
An early diagnosis can be helpful because support, therapy, and intervention can begin sooner.
When Can Cerebral Palsy Be Diagnosed?
Some babies can be diagnosed from around three months of age. Other children are diagnosed later.
Doctors use information from several sources, including:
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your child's medical history
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a physical examination
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MRI results
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movement and neurological assessments
Doctors may diagnose cerebral palsy or identify that a child is at high risk of cerebral palsy. This means your child shows signs that cerebral palsy may develop, and support can begin early while doctors continue to monitor and assess them.
Assessments Used to Diagnose Cerebral Palsy
General Movements Assessment (GMA)
The General Movements Assessment (GMA) is used from birth until about five months of age.
This short, gentle assessment looks at how a baby moves. It can help identify babies who may be at higher risk of cerebral palsy, especially when MRI results also show changes in the brain.
A GMA cannot predict how cerebral palsy may affect a child in the future.
Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE)
The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) assesses how a baby's brain and body are working together.
It looks at:
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movement
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posture
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muscle tone
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reflexes
The HINE can help identify babies who may have cerebral palsy or who need ongoing monitoring and early support.
Looking Ahead
Many parents have questions after a diagnosis.
You may wonder whether your child will:
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walk
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talk
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see well
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go to school
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become more independent over time
Doctors may not be able to answer all these questions right away. Every child develops in their own way, and it often takes time to understand what support will help them thrive.
Why Early Support Matters
Support can begin even if doctors are still confirming a diagnosis.
Early intervention can help children build skills in:
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movement
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communication
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feeding
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play
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learning
It can also help parents and carers feel more confident and supported.
The early years are an important time for learning and development. During this period, the brain is especially adaptable and can develop new skills through everyday experiences and therapy.
Your Child's Support Team
Children with cerebral palsy, or those at high risk of cerebral palsy, often benefit from support from a team of professionals.
Your child's team may include:
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GP (doctor)
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Paediatrician, neurologist, surgeon, or other medical specialists
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Occupational therapist to support play, everyday activities, participation, and fine motor skills
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Physiotherapist to help with movement, balance, posture, and strength
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Speech pathologist to support feeding, communication, speech, and language development
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Psychologist to support development, wellbeing, and behaviour
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Audiologist to assess hearing
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Special education teacher to support learning, preschool, and school participation
These professionals work alongside you and your child. Together, you can make informed decisions, set goals, and create a plan that supports your child's development and participation in everyday life.
Finding the Right Support
Your support team can help you:
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understand your child's needs and strengths
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choose therapies and supports
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create supportive home environments
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access equipment if needed
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find activities and programs that help your child learn and grow
In this section you will find more information regarding the process for assessment and diagnosis.
For further information, visit our resource on cerebral palsy diagnosis in children 7-17 years.
Provided and produced courtesy of Cerebral Palsy Alliance at www.cerebralpalsy.org.au