ADHD vs Cerebral Palsy: Key Differences & Care | Cadabams CDC
Primary Keyword: adhd-vs-cerebral-palsy When your child shows developmental delays, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, or both. While adhd-vs-cerebral-palsy share some behaviours, they affect the brain and body in very different ways. This guide breaks down the key contrasts and shows how Cadabams CDC supports families across India with evidence-based care.
1. Quick Overview: ADHD vs Cerebral Palsy at a Glance
| Aspect | ADHD | Cerebral Palsy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Impact | Attention & impulse control | Movement & posture |
| Typical Age of Diagnosis | 4–7 years | 12–24 months |
| Prevalence in Children (India) | ~7 % | ~0.3 % |
| Core Symptoms | Inattention, hyperactivity, poor focus | Muscle stiffness, balance issues, spasticity |
| Brain Region Affected | Frontal cortex & dopamine pathways | Motor cortex & motor tracts |
2. How ADHD and Cerebral Palsy Co-Occur in Children
Statistics: What Research Says
- Up to 20 % of children with Cerebral Palsy also meet the criteria for ADHD.
- Risk increases in spastic quadriplegia due to widespread brain injury.
Neurodevelopmental Overlap Explained
Both disorders are neurodevelopmental, affecting how the brain matures. Shared risk factors include:
- Premature birth
- Perinatal hypoxia
- Low birth weight
Implications for Daily Functioning
- School: CP motor issues can mask ADHD inattention.
- Play: Hyperactivity may aggravate balance problems.
- Family: Double the therapy schedules; need for integrated care plans.
3. Symptom Comparison Chart
| Symptom Category | Cerebral Palsy | ADHD | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor stiffness | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Fine motor delay | ✓ (due to spasticity) | ✓ (due to inattention) | ✓ |
| Gait issues | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Impulsivity | Rare | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inattention to tasks | If pain or fatigue | Primary feature | ✓ |
| Speech delay | ✓ (dysarthria) | Rare | ✓ |
| Poor posture | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
4. Diagnostic Pathways: From Red Flags to Assessment
Screening Tools We Use
- M-CHAT-R: Early autism and CP red flags
- Conners 3: ADHD-specific scales
- GMFCS: Cerebral Palsy severity grading
- Neuro-imaging: MRI to rule out structural causes
Specialists Involved
- Developmental paediatrician – first touchpoint
- Neuro-psychologist – cognitive profiling
- Physiotherapist – motor evaluation
- Occupational therapist – functional skills
What to Expect During Evaluation
- 60-minute parent interview – prenatal & birth history
- Standardised tests – for attention, motor, language
- Observational play – unstructured setting
- Feedback session – diagnosis & next steps within 7 days
5. Treatment Approaches Tailored to Each Condition
Cerebral Palsy Therapies: PT, OT, SLT
- Physiotherapy (PT): Stretching, gait training, botulinum-toxin injections
- Occupational Therapy (OT): ADL training, adaptive devices
- Speech & Language Therapy (SLT): AAC devices, articulation drills
ADHD Interventions: Behaviour Therapy & Skill Training
- Parent-Management Training (PMT): Positive reinforcement routines
- School-based supports: IEP & 504 plans
- Organisation skills training: Colour-coded planners, timers
Integrated Plans When Both Conditions Are Present
- Unified goal sheet shared across therapists
- Energy-conserving strategies for hyperactivity
- Sensory breaks every 20 minutes to reduce fatigue
6. Pros & Cons of Single vs Dual Diagnosis Management
| Approach | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Single diagnosis focus | Simpler scheduling; fewer therapy goals | May overlook masked symptoms |
| Dual diagnosis management | Comprehensive care; higher long-term independence | Higher cost; complex scheduling |
| Family-centric decision | Tailored to daily routine | Needs strong care coordination |
| Decision Framework: |
- List your child’s top three daily struggles.
- Match each struggle to the core deficit (motor vs attention).
- Choose a blended plan if more than one area is severely impacted.