How early should I bring my child for a Cerebral Palsy assessment?

You should seek an evaluation as soon as you notice persistent developmental delays or have concerns. There is no "too early." Research overwhelmingly shows that early intervention (before age 3) has the most significant positive impact on a child's long-term development. An early evaluation can provide either reassurance or a crucial head start on therapy.

How do I get a Cerebral Palsy assessment for my child?

The process at Cadabam's is simple and supportive. It begins with scheduling an initial consultation. You can book an appointment with our developmental specialists directly through our website or by calling our centre. Our care team will guide you through the subsequent steps.

What is the difference between a developmental and a psychological assessment for CP?

A **Developmental Assessment for Cerebral Palsy** primarily focuses on the physical and functional aspects: motor skills (gross and fine), muscle tone, reflexes, and speech production. A **Psychological Assessment for Cerebral Palsy**, on the other hand, evaluates cognitive functions (thinking, learning, memory), emotional health, behaviour, and social skills. Both are crucial for a complete picture and a holistic treatment plan.

Is a diagnosis from a Cerebral Palsy assessment centre like Cadabam’s valid for schools and government schemes?

Absolutely. Our comprehensive assessment reports are prepared by a multidisciplinary team of certified and licensed professionals. These reports are detailed, follow established medical standards, and are widely recognised and accepted by educational institutions for creating IEPs and by government bodies for availing disability benefits and schemes.

Can the entire Cerebral Palsy evaluation and diagnosis happen online?

While initial consultations, follow-ups, and parent coaching can be effectively conducted online, a definitive primary diagnosis for Cerebral Palsy requires in-person physical and observational assessments. This hands-on approach is essential for our specialists to accurately assess muscle tone, reflexes, and movement patterns, ensuring the highest level of diagnostic accuracy.

What makes Cadabam’s different from a regular hospital’s paediatric department?

While hospitals provide excellent acute medical care, Cadabam's Child Development Centre offers a fully integrated, specialised ecosystem dedicated solely to neurodevelopmental conditions. We provide everything under one roof—from diagnosis and multidisciplinary evaluation to intensive daily therapy, special education, and parent training. This cohesive, continuous model of care, focused on long-term rehabilitation and development, is a level of specialisation not typically found in a general hospital setting.

Comprehensive Assessment for Cerebral Palsy: Your Child's Path to Diagnosis & Support

A child's developmental journey is filled with milestones, each one a source of joy and pride. However, when you notice persistent delays or differences in your child's movement, muscle tone, or coordination, it can be a source of significant worry. An Assessment for Cerebral Palsy is a comprehensive, structured evaluation designed to provide clarity, answers, and most importantly, a clear path forward.

What is a Cerebral Palsy Assessment?

A Cerebral Palsy (CP) assessment is a thorough evaluation process conducted by a multidisciplinary team to confirm a diagnosis, identify the type and severity of CP, and map out a child's unique strengths and challenges. It goes far beyond a simple check-up to analyse motor skills, cognitive function, sensory processing, and communication abilities. At Cadabam's, our evidence-based assessments, backed by over 30 years of expertise in neurodevelopmental care, form the critical first step in creating a truly personalised and effective therapy plan for your child.

A Trusted Partner in Your Child's Developmental Journey

Choosing the right center for a Cerebral Palsy evaluation and diagnosis is a crucial decision for any parent. At Cadabam's Child Development Center, we don’t just provide a diagnosis; we provide clarity, a compassionate partnership, and a roadmap for the future. As a leading Cerebral Palsy Assessment Center in the country, we are built on a foundation of expertise, empathy, and evidence-based practice. Here’s why families trust us.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Accurate Diagnosis

A child is more than just a set of symptoms. That's why our assessments are never conducted by a single professional in isolation. Your child will be evaluated by a collaborative team of experts, including:

This holistic, 360-degree view ensures that no aspect of your child’s condition is overlooked. We analyse the interplay between motor skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory needs, leading to a highly precise diagnosis and a truly comprehensive understanding of your child.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Designed for Children

We know that a clinical environment can be intimidating for a child. Our center is designed to be a safe, welcoming, and stimulating space that encourages natural behaviour and play. We utilise advanced assessment tools and dedicated infrastructure, including sensory integration rooms, specialised physiotherapy gyms, and quiet observation areas. This child-first approach allows our therapists to conduct more accurate evaluations in a comfortable and effective manner.

From Assessment to Action: A Seamless Transition to Therapy

The most important part of an assessment is what comes next. At Cadabam's, our assessment findings directly inform a practical, goal-oriented Individualised Education Plan (IEP). We don't just hand you a report; we sit down with you to explain the results, answer your questions, and collaboratively set meaningful goals. We then provide a seamless transition into one of our world-class therapy programs, ensuring the momentum from diagnosis is channelled directly into progress.

Understanding the Early Signs: When to Seek an Evaluation

Early identification is the key to unlocking a child's full potential. While this list is not a tool for self-diagnosis, it can help parents and caregivers recognise signs that may warrant a professional evaluation. If you observe any of the following persistent developmental differences, a comprehensive assessment can provide the answers and guidance you need.

Delays in Motor Milestones

These are often the first signs parents notice.

For Infants (3-6 months): Head falls back when picked up (poor head control), feels stiff (hypertonia) or very floppy (hypotonia).
For Older Infants (6-10 months): Doesn't roll over in either direction, cannot bring hands together, has difficulty bringing hands to mouth.
For Toddlers (12+ months): Lopsided crawling (pushes off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite side), scoots on buttocks or hops on knees instead of crawling on all fours, unable to stand even with support.

Challenges with Speech and Communication

Difficulties with the muscles around the mouth can affect more than just movement.

Difficulty with sucking, chewing, or swallowing.
Excessive drooling.
Delayed speech development or difficulty forming words.
Challenges with non-verbal communication cues.

Co-occurring Neurodevelopmental and behavioural Concerns

Cerebral Palsy often co-exists with other conditions that a thorough assessment will investigate.

Sensory Processing Issues: Over-reactivity or under-reactivity to sound, touch, or light.
Learning Difficulties: Trouble with focus, memory, or understanding concepts at an age-appropriate level.
behavioural Challenges: Irritability, social-emotional difficulties, or signs of co-occurring conditions like ADHD.

Difficulties with Fine Motor Skills & Coordination

These signs relate to small, precise movements.

Using one hand much more frequently than the other (early hand preference).
Trouble grasping toys or small objects.
Difficulty bringing a spoon to their mouth, buttoning clothes, or scribbling with a crayon at an appropriate age.

How to Get a Cerebral Palsy Assessment at Cadabam’s

We understand that the assessment process can feel complex and overwhelming. Our team is committed to guiding you at every step, ensuring you are informed, involved, and empowered. Here is our structured, step-by-step approach to a comprehensive Cerebral Palsy evaluation and diagnosis.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Family History Intake

Your journey at Cadabam’s begins with a detailed consultation with one of our senior developmental paediatricians or specialists. This is a crucial first meeting where we listen. We want to understand your concerns, your child's journey so far, and your family's goals. We will gather comprehensive information including:

Pregnancy, birth, and postnatal history.
Timeline of developmental milestones achieved.
Detailed medical history, including any previous consultations or tests.
Specific observations and concerns from you, the parents, who know your child best.

Step 2: The Core Developmental Assessment for Cerebral Palsy

This is the hands-on phase of the evaluation, where our multidisciplinary team works directly with your child. Using a combination of standardised assessment tools and structured, play-based observation, we evaluate every aspect of your child's development.

Motor Function & Gait Analysis:

Our paediatric physiotherapists will assess muscle tone, muscle strength, balance, posture, reflexes, and movement patterns. For children who are walking, a gait analysis helps us understand their specific walking pattern to identify areas for intervention.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills Evaluation:

Using internationally recognised tools like the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), our occupational and physiotherapists will assess your child’s ability to perform large motor activities like sitting, rolling, and crawling. Fine motor skills, such as grasping, reaching, and object manipulation, are also carefully evaluated.

Speech and Language Evaluation:

A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist assesses all aspects of communication. This includes oral motor skills (the strength and coordination of muscles used for speech), feeding and swallowing abilities, comprehension (understanding language), and expression (using words and sentences).

Step 3: Targeted Psychological Assessment for Cerebral Palsy

Understanding your child’s cognitive and emotional world is essential for a holistic plan. A Psychological Assessment for Cerebral Palsy is not about looking for problems; it’s about discovering how your child learns, thinks, and feels. This information is vital for planning academic and social support.

Cognitive & IQ Assessment:

Our rehabilitation psychologists use age-appropriate, standardised tests to evaluate cognitive functions like problem-solving, memory, reasoning, and attention. This helps identify intellectual strengths and any potential learning disabilities, providing a foundation for effective special education strategies.

behavioural and Emotional Assessment:

Through observation, parent questionnaires, and direct interaction, we assess your child's emotional well-being and social skills. This helps identify any co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or other behavioural challenges that may impact your child's quality of life and participation in therapy.

Step 4: Diagnosis, Comprehensive Reporting, and Collaborative Goal Setting

Once all assessments are complete, our multidisciplinary team meets to synthesise the findings. We then schedule a detailed feedback session with you. In this session, we will:

Provide a clear diagnosis and explain the specific type and severity of Cerebral Palsy, if applicable.
Present a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report that details all assessment findings.
Collaboratively set short-term and long-term goals for therapy that are meaningful and functional for your child and family.

Your Action Plan After a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

An assessment is the beginning of a journey, not the end. The results from your child's evaluation power a dynamic and adaptive support system designed to help them thrive. Cadabam’s offers a range of flexible, evidence-based programs that can be tailored to your family’s unique needs and circumstances.

Full-Time Developmental Rehabilitation Program

Our most intensive program offers structured, daily therapy in a supportive group environment. This includes a daily schedule of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education, and group activities, ensuring consistent and holistic progress.

Out-Patient (OPD) Therapy Cycles

For families seeking a more flexible approach, our OPD cycles offer regular, scheduled sessions for specific therapies. This model is ideal for school-going children or for targeting specific goals, combined with periodic milestone monitoring and expert consultations.

Home-Based & Digital Parent Coaching Programs

We believe that parents are a child's most important therapists. Our home-based and digital coaching programs empower you with the strategies, guidance, and confidence to continue therapeutic activities at home. Through tele-therapy and digital resources, we help you integrate progress into daily routines, affirming neurodiversity-positive practices within your family.

The Experts Guiding Your Child’s Evaluation

Our team’s collective expertise is our greatest strength. At Cadabam's, your child's assessment is overseen by a compassionate and highly qualified team dedicated to paediatric neurodevelopment.

Paediatric Neurologists & Developmental Paediatricians: Lead the diagnostic process.
Rehabilitation Psychologists: Assess cognitive and emotional well-being.
Paediatric Physiotherapists: Experts in movement, balance, and motor function.
Occupational Therapists: Focus on fine motor, sensory, and daily living skills.
Speech-Language Pathologists: Specialists in all aspects of communication and feeding.
Special Educators: Design learning strategies for academic success.

"A thorough assessment is the bedrock of effective intervention. We don’t just look for limitations; we uncover a child’s potential. Our goal at Cadabam’s is to provide families with a clear diagnosis and, more importantly, a hopeful and actionable path forward." - Head of Developmental Paediatrics, Cadabam's CDC.

Real Stories, Real Progress

The journeys of countless children and families have begun with a comprehensive assessment at our center.

Case Study 1: Early Developmental Assessment for a Toddler

Challenge: A 2-year-old boy was brought to us with significant motor delays. He was not yet sitting independently and experienced frequent feeding issues, causing immense stress for his parents.
Assessment: Our team performed a Developmental Assessment for Cerebral Palsy. The evaluation identified spastic diplegia affecting his lower limbs and related oral-motor weakness.
Outcome: We immediately started him on an early intervention plan focusing on physiotherapy and speech therapy. Within six months, he achieved independent sitting, and his eating skills improved dramatically, turning mealtimes into a positive experience.

Case Study 2: Psychological Assessment Clarifying School Challenges

Challenge: A 7-year-old girl, previously diagnosed with mild CP, was struggling with focus, completing tasks, and making friends at school. Her teachers were concerned, and she was becoming withdrawn.
Assessment: Her parents sought a Psychological Assessment for Cerebral Palsy at our center. The in-depth evaluation revealed that in addition to her motor challenges, she had co-occurring ADHD and social anxiety.
Outcome: Armed with this specific information, we worked with the family to create a detailed Individualised Education Plan (IEP) for her school. She also began behavioural therapy and social skills training at our center. Today, she participates more confidently in class and has formed meaningful friendships.