During this life stage, your child may be too young to be independent, but the path to independence starts in their early years. As children get older, they will start to make their own decisions, such as what clothes to wear, which foods they eat or televisions shows they like, and who they want to play with.

As all children grow, they can manage different tasks and make their own decisions. Children with CP are no different. They may communicate or do these tasks in their own way.

It is important to remember that each of these milestones is helping to build resilience and independence in your child.

Some children are confident when trying new things, while others need more encouragement and support.

The information in this section may assist you in developing strategies and techniques to support independence in your child, as well as providing you with enjoyable interactive activities to assist your child with learning and development.

Your medical and allied health professional team will be able to customise a therapeutic program to benefit and support your child’s individual development.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, please talk to your GP, child and family health nurse, or pediatrician.