Learn about cerebral palsy in children, including causes, early signs, co-occurring conditions, and the therapy supports that can help your child build skills and independence.
Written by: William Huynh, Director of Brighter Futures Allied Health
Published: 21 March 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child’s development or behaviour, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional is recommended.
Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth.
In children, cerebral palsy can present in different ways. Some may have stiff or tight muscles, while others may appear floppy or have difficulty controlling their movements. These differences can affect how a child sits, crawls, walks, uses their hands, or speaks.
The condition is non-progressive, meaning the brain injury does not worsen over time, but how it affects a child can change as they grow.
Cerebral palsy occurs when there is damage to or abnormal development of the brain during early life. Common causes and risk factors include:
In many cases, the exact cause is not clearly identified. What matters most is understanding how your child is developing and what support may help.
Cerebral palsy in children is usually grouped by how movement is affected. Each type can look different from child to child.
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Spastic Cerebral Palsy The most common type; involves stiff or tight muscles |
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Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy Characterised by involuntary or uncontrolled movements |
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Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Affects balance and coordination |
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Mixed Cerebral Palsy Combination of more than one type |
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Children with cerebral palsy may also experience other challenges, depending on how the brain has been affected. These can include:
Not every child will experience these. Each child’s profile is unique, which is why support is usually tailored to their needs.
Some signs of cerebral palsy can become noticeable in the first year or two of life. You may want to speak with a doctor or allied health professional if you notice:
The brain in early childhood has a high level of neuroplasticity, meaning it can adapt and form new connections. This is important because:
Getting support early can make a meaningful difference in a child’s independence, communication, and confidence over time.
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but many supports can help children develop skills, improve function, and participate in everyday life. Support is usually tailored to the child and may include:
Speech and language therapy supports how a child communicates, understands language, and participates in everyday interactions. For children with cerebral palsy, speech therapy support focuses on:
Occupational therapy focuses on helping your child take part in everyday activities with greater independence, whether at home, at school, or during play. Paediatric occupational therapy support may include:
Physiotherapy supports your child’s movement, posture, and physical development so they can move more comfortably and confidently in their environment. Early support helps with:
Depending on your child’s needs, additional supports may also be part of their care. These are often used alongside therapy to help your child participate more fully in daily life, and can include:
If you’re looking to learn more about cerebral palsy in children, these sources are reliable and evidence-based:
It can also help to speak directly with allied health professionals like speech pathologists or occupational therapists, who can guide you based on your child’s specific needs and answer questions in a way that feels relevant to your family.
William Huynh is a senior speech pathologist and the director of Brighter Futures Allied Health. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with complex communication needs, including disability, dysphagia, and acquired language impairments. William has completed specialist training in approaches such as Key Word Sign, LAMP Words for Life, Grid 3, and Hanen’s More Than Words. He also supervises speech pathologists and student placements, supporting evidence-based and family-centred practice.
