Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement, posture, muscle control, and coordination. Every child with cerebral palsy is unique. Some children may experience mild difficulties with movement, while others may require more support with everyday activities. Although cerebral palsy affects movement, it does not define a child's personality, abilities, interests, or potential. With appropriate support and opportunities, children can continue to learn, participate, and develop meaningful skills throughout their lives.
What Parents May Notice
- Reaches developmental milestones later than expected (Developmental Delay)
- Appears stiff, tight, or has difficulty relaxing muscles (Increased Muscle Tone / Spasticity)
- Appears floppy or has difficulty maintaining posture (Low Muscle Tone / Hypotonia)
- Has difficulty sitting, standing, crawling, walking, or maintaining balance (Gross Motor Challenges)
- Tires easily during play or daily activities (Reduced Endurance)
- Has difficulty using both hands together during activities (Bilateral Coordination Difficulties)
- Struggles with dressing, feeding, writing, or manipulating small objects (Fine Motor Challenges)
- Finds playground activities more difficult than peers (Motor Coordination Difficulties)
- Requires assistance for age-appropriate self-care activities (Functional Independence Challenges)
- Shows frustration when physical limitations interfere with participation (Participation Challenges)
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational Therapy focuses on helping children participate as independently and successfully as possible in everyday activities. Support may include:
- Improving hand function, grasp, and object manipulation (Fine Motor Development)
- Enhancing posture, balance, and body control during activities (Postural Control)
- Supporting dressing, feeding, grooming, and self-care skills (Activities of Daily Living)
- Developing play and leisure participation (Play Skills & Participation)
- Improving bilateral coordination and hand use (Upper Limb Function)
- Supporting classroom participation and handwriting when appropriate (School Participation)
- Recommending adaptive equipment or environmental modifications when needed (Assistive Technology & Adaptations)
- Working towards greater independence and participation in everyday routines (Functional Independence)
Consider Seeking Support If
- •Your child has trouble participating in daily activities because of movement challenges
- •Self-care skills such as dressing, feeding, or grooming require significant assistance
- •Hand function affects play, school activities, or independence
- •Balance, posture, or coordination difficulties limit participation
- •You would like support in helping your child become more independent in everyday life
- •You are looking for strategies that can be incorporated into home, school, or community environments
Every Achievement Matters
For children with cerebral palsy, progress may look different for every individual. Sometimes it is learning to crawl , stand or walk , hold a spoon independently, button a shirt, participate in a classroom activity, play with friends, or accomplish a personal goal that once felt difficult.
Our focus is on supporting meaningful participation, independence, and opportunities for children to engage in the activities that matter most to them and their families.