What are the key cerebral palsy diagnostic criteria clinicians use?

The primary **cerebral palsy diagnostic criteria** include: 1) persistent delays in motor milestones, 2) abnormal muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy), and 3) atypical posture or movement patterns. These observations are confirmed over time to ensure they are not transient.

How early is an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy possible?

While strong signs of CP can often be detected in the first year of life, a definitive diagnosis is typically made between 12 and 24 months. This allows clinicians to rule out other temporary motor issues and confirm that the movement challenges are persistent.

Is a brain MRI always required for a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis?

Not always. The diagnosis is primarily a clinical one, based on physical examination and developmental history. However, a brain MRI is a powerful tool that helps identify the cause and type of brain injury, which can be very helpful for prognosis and treatment planning.

What is the difference between a screening and a full diagnostic evaluation?

A screening is a quick assessment that identifies a child who is *at risk* for a developmental problem. A full diagnostic evaluation is a deep, comprehensive process conducted by a specialist team to *confirm* or rule out a specific condition like Cerebral Palsy.

My child received a diagnosis. What is the very first step I should take?

The first and most important step is to connect with a qualified early intervention team. Focus on understanding the recommended therapy plan, asking questions, and building a strong support system for yourself and your family. Remember, you are not alone.

Does Cadabam’s offer online support for families new to a CP diagnosis?

Yes. We understand that support needs to be accessible. We offer tele-consultations for expert guidance and digital parent coaching programs to support families on their journey, no matter where they are located.

A Compassionate Guide to the Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Process

A Cerebral Palsy diagnosis is a clinical conclusion reached by a team of medical experts after a comprehensive evaluation of a child's motor skills, developmental milestones, and medical history. It is a meticulous process, not a single test, aimed at identifying and understanding a child's unique movement and coordination challenges.

For over 30 years, Cadabam’s Child Development Center has provided evidence-based, compassionate diagnostic services to give families clarity, answers, and a clear, hopeful path forward. An accurate diagnosis is the first and most critical step in unlocking your child’s full potential.

Why Trust Cadabam’s for Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Evaluation?

The journey to a diagnosis can be filled with uncertainty. At Cadabam’s, we provide a supportive, expert-led environment where your child’s needs and your family’s concerns are at the heart of everything we do.

A Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team for a 360-Degree View

A diagnosis is never made in a silo. Our strength lies in our collaborative approach. Your child will be seen by a team of leading professionals—including developmental paediatricians, paediatric neurologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists—who work together. This ensures a holistic and highly accurate cerebral palsy diagnostic evaluation that considers every aspect of your child's development.

Child-Friendly Infrastructure for Accurate Assessment

We have designed our center to be a place where cerebral palsy in children feel safe, comfortable, and ready to play. Our purpose-built environment allows for naturalistic observation, where we can assess motor skills, coordination, and interactions as your child plays. This child-first approach reduces anxiety and allows for a more precise understanding of their abilities.

From Diagnosis to a Clear Treatment Plan

A diagnosis at Cadabam’s is the beginning of a journey, not the end. We believe in immediate, positive action. Once the evaluation is complete, we sit down with your family to explain the findings clearly and compassionately. We then create a clear, actionable roadmap for therapy and support that is tailored to your child's unique strengths and goals.

Over 30+ Years of Specialised Expertise in Neurodiversity

For more than three decades, Cadabam’s has been a leader in child development and neurodiversity. Our long-standing legacy is built on a deep understanding of conditions like Cerebral Palsy. We combine this extensive experience with the latest in evidence-based clinical practices to provide care you can trust.

Recognising Early Signs for a Timely Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

The early diagnosis of cerebral palsy is crucial because it allows for intervention during the most critical periods of brain development. If you notice any of the following signs, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Delays in Achieving Motor Milestones

Not rolling over in either direction by 6-7 months.
Inability to sit independently by 9 months.
Not crawling or pulling to stand by 12 months.
Inability to walk independently by 18 months.
A persistent developmental delay in motor skills compared to peers.

Key Variations in Muscle Tone (Stiffness or Floppiness)

Hypertonia: The child’s body or limbs feel very stiff or rigid. They may hold their hands in tight fists or have legs that are difficult to separate for diaper changes.
Hypotonia: The child’s body feels overly relaxed, loose, or "floppy," like a rag doll. They may have poor head control.

Observing Atypical Postures or Movements

Asymmetrical Movement: Consistently favoring one side of the body over the other. For example, reaching with only one hand or dragging one leg while crawling.
Uncontrolled Movements: Writhing, jerky, or clumsy movements (athetosis or spasticity).
Poor Balance and Coordination: Difficulty with tasks that require balance and motor planning.

Associated Challenges: Feeding, Speech, and Sensory Issues

Often, early signs are not just about movement. Our team also looks for associated challenges, including difficulty with sucking, chewing, or swallowing; delays in speech and language; and issues with sensory integration, such as being overly sensitive to touch or sound.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Process at Cadabam's

We have refined our cerebral palsy diagnostic process to be thorough, transparent, and family-centered. Here is what you can expect when you visit us.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Developmental Screening

Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation. Our experts will listen carefully to your concerns, observations, and your child’s history. We then conduct initial developmental screenings to get a baseline understanding of your child's strengths and challenges.

Step 2: Comprehensive Medical and Developmental History Review

We believe the past informs the present. Our team meticulously reviews all relevant medical information, including details about the pregnancy, birth, and your child’s health in early infancy. This helps us identify any risk factors and build a complete developmental picture.

Step 3: In-Depth Physical and Neurological Examination

Our developmental paediatrician or paediatric neurologist will conduct a hands-on clinical assessment. This involves checking your child's reflexes, muscle tone, posture, coordination, and walking patterns (gait analysis). This examination is a core part of the diagnostic process.

Step 4: Observational and Standardised Assessments

Using globally recognised assessment tools (like the Gross Motor Function Classification System - GMFCS) and structured play-based activities, our therapists will evaluate your child’s functional abilities. This helps us quantify motor function in a standardised way while keeping the child engaged and comfortable.

Step 5: Partnering with Your Family for Goal Setting

A diagnosis is more than a label; it's a tool for empowerment. We will explain our findings to you in plain, understandable language. Together, we will set meaningful, family-centered goals, strengthening the parent-child bond and establishing a shared mission for your child’s progress.

From Diagnosis to Development: Your Child’s Journey Forward

Receiving a diagnosis opens the door to specialised support that can make a profound difference. At Cadabam's, we provide a seamless transition from diagnosis to integrated therapy.

Early Intervention: The Critical Next Step

Immediately following a diagnosis, our Early Intervention Program is designed to leverage your child's brain neuroplasticity. This program for infants and toddlers focuses on building foundational motor, cognitive, and social skills.

Personalised Paediatric Therapy Plans

Your child's therapy plan is as unique as they are. We create a synergistic program that combines:

Occupational Therapy to improve fine motor skills, daily living activities, and sensory processing.
Physiotherapy to enhance mobility, strength, balance, and gross motor skills.
Speech Therapy to address challenges with communication, language, and feeding.

Parent Coaching and Home-Based Guidance

You are your child's most important teacher. We empower parents with the strategies, knowledge, and confidence to support their child's development at home. Our Parent Mental Health Support & Training Resources ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

The Professionals at Cadabam’s: Who Can Diagnose Cerebral Palsy?

A credible Cerebral Palsy diagnosis is made by a team of highly trained specialists. At Cadabam’s, your child’s evaluation is led by these key professionals.

The Role of the Developmental Paediatrician

The developmental paediatrician is the team lead who oversees the entire cerebral palsy diagnostic evaluation. They specialise in the development of children and are experts at identifying developmental variations and monitoring overall health.

The Role of the Paediatric Neurologist

The paediatric neurologist is a specialist in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. They conduct detailed neurological exams and may recommend and interpret diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, to help identify the underlying cause of Cerebral Palsy.

The Wider Multidisciplinary Team

The diagnosis is strengthened by insights from our Rehabilitation Specialists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists. They provide a vital, holistic view of your child's functional abilities and day-to-day challenges.

"A Cerebral Palsy diagnosis is not a label, but a roadmap. Our collaborative team at Cadabam’s focuses on understanding your child's unique strengths to create a path forward centered on ability, participation, and joy." - Head of Developmental Paediatrics at Cadabam’s CDC."

Journeys of Hope: From Diagnosis to Thriving

Anonymised stories from our families illustrate the power of a clear diagnosis and dedicated therapy.

Case Study: Aria’s Early Diagnosis and Progress

Aria’s parents came to us when she was 10 months old, concerned that she only used her left hand to play and dragged her right leg while trying to move. Our team conducted a full evaluation and diagnosed hemiplegic CP. We immediately started her on an early intervention program focused on symmetrical play and bilateral coordination. Within six months, Aria was sitting independently and using both hands to explore her toys.

Case Study: Rohan’s Path to Clarity

Rohan, age 4, had a history of motor clumsiness and some behavioural challenges. His parents were unsure if his difficulties were related to a motor condition or something else. Our multidisciplinary evaluation was able to clearly distinguish the characteristics of ataxic CP from other conditions. This clear diagnosis provided his family with relief and a targeted therapy plan that dramatically improved his physical confidence and school readiness.