Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder of childhood, with prevalence ranging from 1.5 to 4 out of every 1,000 live births. Every pediatrician and other pediatric primary care clinician should be prepared to screen, identify, and care for children with CP.


Cerebral Palsy Overview

Activities related to the care of children with CP are implemented within the Academy’s Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Initiative team, including the Council on Children with Disabilities, among other areas.

Below you will find information about identification, evaluation, and care of children/youth with CP within the medical home model of care. Resources are available for clinicians, academic institutions, and training programs. Resources for parents, families, and caregivers are available on the AAP parenting website, HealthyChildren.org.

Quick Facts

  • Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that impact movement, postures, and cause activity limitations. A detailed definition of CP is available through the AAP clinical report.
  • Signs of CP may include:
    • motor asymmetry such as early hand preference (not seen in typically developing children until 18 months of age)
    • “thumb-in-fist” posture beyond 7 months of age
    • inability to sit independently by 9 months of age
    • and altered muscle tone, such as scissoring of the legs
  • When a child is identified as having a possible neuromotor disorder, the AAP recommends that the primary care clinician take 3 actions simultaneously:
    1. initiate a diagnostic workup based on the suspected disorder
    2. refer to a medical specialist to complete the diagnostic evaluation
    3. refer for treatment to Early Intervention programs and therapists.
  • Like all children, children and adolescents with CP should receive standard primary care visits and interventions to promote health, well-being, and optimal growth and development, including immunizations and anticipatory guidance.

AAP Recommendations

Providing a Primary Care Medical Home to Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Template Presentation

This is a template slide deck developed for AAP Chapters, residency programs, and any other organizations/institutions wishing to provide education to pediatric primary care clinicians about the care of children with cerebral palsy. Facilitators of this presentation may choose to present all or some of the slides and adapt or revise slides based on the needs of their audiences. Speaker's notes are available throughout some slides for suggested key talking points related to slide content.

The AAP Council on Children with Disabilities (COCWD) has pediatrician members across the country who have expertise in CP. Organizations looking for speakers/faculty on cerebral palsy can contact the AAP COCWD staff for recommendations.

View PowerPoint

Resources for Families

Cerebral Palsy in Children
This HealthyChildren.org article provides an overview of CP for families/caregivers. The article describes signs, causes, and treatment for CP.
Helping a Child with Cerebral Palsy Move into Adulthood
Find information, tips and support for families and caregivers of youth with CP transitioning to adult medical care.
Does My Child Have Physical Developmental Delays?
Families/caregivers can use this tool to track their child’s physical development, and start conversations with their pediatricians about milestones and concerns.

Get Involved

AAP Council on Children with Disabilities
The Council on Children with Disabilities is comprised of general pediatricians, neurodevelopmental pediatricians, developmental and behavioral pediatricians, geneticists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical medical and rehabilitation pediatricians, and others who care for or have an interest in children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs.
AAP Section on Neurology
The Section on Neurology is dedicated to improving the care of infants, children and adolescents by providing an educational forum for the discussion of problems and treatments related to neurologic problems in children.
Last Updated

07/28/2023

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics