A Compassionate Guide to the Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Process

Why Trust Cadabam' s CDC for Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis?

Choosing the right partner for your child's developmental evaluation is the first critical step. Cadabam' s CDC offers a unique blend of expertise, technology, and compassion, making us a leading pediatric diagnostic center for families navigating a developmental disorder diagnosis.

A Multidisciplinary Team Offering a 360° Diagnostic Perspective

A Cerebral Palsy diagnosis is complex and requires input from various specialists. Our team includes developmental pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and therapists who collaborate on every case. This multidisciplinary diagnosis for Cerebral Palsy ensures we look at the whole child, not just a single symptom, leading to a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

Child-Friendly Infrastructure for Accurate and Stress-Free Assessments

We understand that a clinical setting can be intimidating for a child. Our center is designed to be warm, engaging, and child-friendly. This stress-free environment allows us to conduct a more accurate pediatric assessment for Cerebral Palsy, as your child will be more comfortable, cooperative, and able to demonstrate their true abilities during the child developmental evaluation.

From Diagnosis to a Clear, Personalised Treatment Plan

Diagnosis is only half the journey. Our primary goal is to provide a clear path forward. We excel in diagnosis and therapy planning, translating complex assessment results into a practical, personalised treatment plan. We partner with you to set achievable goals and begin the crucial process of early intervention assessment.

Over 32+ Years of Specialised Expertise in Neurodevelopmental Care

For over three decades, Cadabam,s has been a trusted name in healthcare. Cadabam' s CDC brings this legacy of excellence to neurodevelopmental care, combining years of experience with the latest advancements in neurodevelopmental screening and evidence-based therapies to provide the best possible support for your child and family.

Recognising Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

How to identify developmental delays is a common concern for parents. While symptoms of CP vary widely, being aware of the early signs can lead to a timely diagnosis and intervention.

Developmental and Motor Delays

These are often the first indicators.

• Not rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking at the expected age.
• Stiff or floppy muscle tone (hypertonia or hypotonia).
• Abnormal posture or favouring one side of the body.
• Poor head control.

Atypical Behaviours or Sensory Responses

• Exaggerated reflexes or involuntary movements.
• Unusual irritability or difficulty being soothed.
• Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to touch, sound, or light.

Speech, Feeding, or Communication Challenges

• Difficulty with sucking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Excessive drooling.
• Delays in babbling or forming words.

Co-Occurring or Associated Difficulties

Children with CP may also experience other challenges, including seizures, intellectual disabilities, or vision and hearing impairments. A comprehensive child developmental evaluation will assess for these as well.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Diagnostic Process at CadabamsCDC

We have refined our diagnostic process for children to be thorough, collaborative, and family-centered.

Step 1 - Initial Consultation and Developmental Screening

Your journey begins with a detailed discussion with our care coordinator and a preliminary developmental screening for Cerebral Palsy. We listen to your concerns, gather initial information, and explain the evaluation process.

Step 2 - Detailed Medical & Developmental History Review

Our team conducts a meticulous review of your child’s prenatal, birth, and medical history, along with developmental milestones. This helps us understand potential risk factors and the timeline of your concerns.

Step 3 - Physical, Neurological & Behavioural Examination

A developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist will perform a comprehensive physical and neurological exam. This pediatric assessment for Cerebral Palsy evaluates your child's reflexes, muscle tone, posture, balance, and movement patterns.

Step 4 - Observational and Standardised Diagnostic Tests

Using world-class, standardised assessment tools, our therapists and psychologists observe your child play, move, and interact. This allows us to formally assess motor skills, cognitive abilities, and speech-language development. If needed, we may recommend brain imaging (MRI, CT scan) or an EEG.

Step 5 - Collaborative Diagnosis & Goal Setting with Families

Once all assessments are complete, our multidisciplinary team meets to form a consensus. We then sit down with you to explain the findings in clear, understandable language. We discuss the how is Cerebral Palsy diagnosed question in the context of your child, answer all your questions, and work together to create an initial therapy and support plan.

Understanding the Role of the DSM in Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

There can be confusion around the tools used for diagnosis. It is important to know that Cerebral Palsy is a motor disorder and is NOT diagnosed using the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). The primary diagnostic framework for CP is medical, based on clinical examination and classified using the ICD system.

Beyond the Primary Diagnosis: Understanding the Whole Child

While the DSM isn't used for the CP diagnosis itself, it is an essential tool for providing comprehensive care. Many children with CP also have co-occurring neurodevelopmental, behavioural, or emotional conditions. The DSM helps us accurately identify and diagnose these.

Identifying Co-Occurring Conditions Using DSM-5 Criteria

Our clinical psychologists and pediatricians use the DSM-5 criteria for a thorough neurodevelopmental screening. This allows us to understand the full picture of your child's strengths and challenges, which is crucial for effective diagnosis and therapy planning. Understanding DSM diagnosis in this context helps parents appreciate the comprehensive nature of our evaluation.

Common Co-Occurring Conditions in Cerebral Palsy

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Intellectual Disability
• Anxiety or Mood Disorders

The Power of a Unified, Collaborative Approach

By using both medical examinations for CP and DSM-based assessments for co-occurring conditions, our team ensures that no aspect of your child's well-being is overlooked. This holistic approach leads to a more effective and integrated treatment plan.

Understanding the ICD Classification for Cerebral Palsy

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD), maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the standard system used by medical professionals worldwide to classify diseases and health problems. This is the system used for the official ICD diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.

What an ICD Diagnosis Means for Families

An ICD code is a formal medical diagnosis. It is essential for medical records, insurance claims, and accessing specialized services and government support. It provides a standardized language for all the professionals involved in your child's care.

Key ICD-10 & ICD-11 Codes Explained

• ICD-10 Codes for Cerebral Palsy: The most common code is G80 for Infantile Cerebral Palsy. This is further specified, for example:
  • G80.0: Spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy
  • G80.1: Spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy
  • G80.2: Spastic hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
• Understanding ICD Diagnosis helps you know the specific type of CP your child has, which informs the therapy approach.

The Benefits of ICD-11: A More Precise Picture

The newer ICD-11 classification for Cerebral Palsy offers even more detail, allowing for a more nuanced diagnosis that better captures the specifics of your child's motor function and any co-occurring conditions.

How CadabamsCDC Ensures ICD Accuracy

Our medical experts are proficient in both ICD-10 and ICD-11 systems. We ensure that the diagnosis is not only accurate but also coded correctly, which simplifies your access to care and resources.

From Diagnosis to Development: Your Child’s Journey Forward

A diagnosis is the first step toward unlocking your child's potential. At CadabamsCDC, we immediately bridge the gap between diagnosis and intervention.

Early Intervention: The Critical Next Step

The period following an early diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy is a critical window for development. Our early intervention assessment identifies the most impactful therapies to begin right away, capitalizing on the brain's neuroplasticity to build new neural pathways.

Customised Paediatric Therapy Plans

No two children with CP are alike. Your child’s therapy plan will be uniquely theirs, combining services like:

• Physiotherapy: To improve strength, balance, and mobility.
• Occupational Therapy: To build skills for daily living, play, and sensory processing.
• Speech-Language Therapy: To address communication, feeding, and swallowing challenges.

Family Coaching & Home-Based Support

You are your child’s most important therapist. We empower you with the knowledge and strategies to support your child's development at home, integrating therapeutic activities into your daily routines and ensuring progress continues outside of the therapy room.

Meet the Experts Behind the Diagnosis

Our strength lies in our collaborative, multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals.

Developmental Paediatricians & Neurologists

These medical doctors lead the diagnostic process. They perform the neurological and physical examinations, interpret medical tests, and provide the official ICD diagnosis Cerebral Palsy.

Occupational, Physiotherapists & Speech-Language Pathologists

Our therapists are experts in child development. They use standardized tests and skilled observation to assess your child's functional abilities, forming the backbone of the child developmental evaluation and future therapy plan.

Clinical Psychologists & Special Educators

These professionals assess cognitive development, learning profiles, and behaviour. They are key to identifying co-occurring conditions using DSM criteria and planning educational support.

Expert Quotes & Insights

"An accurate, early diagnosis isn't about labelling a child; it's about unlocking the right support. At CadabamsCDC, we see diagnosis as opening the door to a world of personalised care and possibilities." - Lead Developmental Paediatrician

Real-Life Journeys: From Diagnosis to Progress

Case Study 1 - Early Diagnosis and Improved Outcomes

Aarav was diagnosed with spastic diplegia at 18 months after his parents noticed he wasn't attempting to stand or walk. Thanks to the early diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy at CadabamsCDC, he began an intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy plan. Today, at age 4, he walks with forearm crutches and actively participates in his preschool class.

Case Study 2 - A Path from Confusion to Clarity

Riya's parents were confused by her mix of motor delays and significant social communication challenges. Our multidisciplinary diagnosis for Cerebral Palsy process identified not only a mild hemiplegic CP but also co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder. This dual diagnosis provided the clarity needed to create an integrated therapy plan that addressed all of her needs, leading to dramatic improvements in both her mobility and her ability to connect with others.

Family Testimonial - “Diagnosis Was the Beginning, Not the End”

"Hearing the words 'Cerebral Palsy' was scary, but the team at CadabamsCDC held our hand through it all. They didn't just give us a diagnosis; they gave us a plan, hope, and a community. The diagnosis was the beginning of our journey to helping our son thrive, not the end of it." - Parents of a 3-year-old child.