Is there a definitive blood or genetic test for Cerebral Palsy?

No, Cerebral Palsy is a clinical diagnosis made based on a child's medical history and a comprehensive **Cerebral Palsy evaluation process**. Medical tests like MRIs may be used to identify the cause or to rule out other genetic or progressive neurological conditions, but they do not diagnose CP on their own.

How early can my child have a Cerebral Palsy screening test?

Monitoring can begin from birth for infants identified as high-risk (e.g., premature birth, low birth weight). For other children, concerns often arise when developmental milestones are missed. While a definitive diagnosis often becomes clearer between 12-24 months, an **early Cerebral Palsy test** or initial screening can be initiated at any age whenever a parent has a concern.

What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?

A screening test is a quicker assessment used to identify children who are at a higher risk for a developmental issue and may need a more detailed evaluation. A **Cerebral Palsy diagnostic test** is the much more in-depth, multidisciplinary process described above, used to formally confirm the diagnosis, determine its specific type and severity, and create a treatment plan.

Who will be involved in my child's evaluation at Cadabam’s?

A full multidisciplinary team collaborates on every evaluation to ensure a 360-degree view of your child. This always includes a developmental paediatrician, paediatric physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and child psychologist. Speech therapists and special educators may also be involved depending on the child's needs.

Can I get an initial consultation for a CP evaluation online?

Yes. Cadabam’s offers tele-consultations for an initial discussion with one of our developmental experts. This is an excellent way to discuss your concerns, understand our process, and get professional guidance on the most appropriate next steps for your child, all from the comfort of your home.

Expert Cerebral Palsy Evaluation Process at Cadabam’s CDC

A "Cerebral Palsy test" isn't a single blood test or scan you can take. Instead, it is a comprehensive clinical evaluation process designed to understand a child's developmental patterns. This process involves thorough developmental monitoring, in-depth motor skills assessment, and a careful review of their medical history.

At Cadabam’s Child Development Center, our 30+ years of expertise ensure this journey is compassionate, meticulous, and grounded in evidence-based care, providing your family with the clarity and direction you need.

A Compassionate & Clear Path to Answers: Why Choose Cadabam’s?

Receiving a potential diagnosis for your child can be an overwhelming experience filled with uncertainty. At Cadabam’s, we understand this. Our approach to the Cerebral Palsy evaluation process is built on a foundation of empathy, expertise, and a commitment to providing clear, actionable insights for your family.

Beyond a Simple Test: A Holistic View of Your Child

We believe that every child is more than a list of symptoms or a potential label. Our primary goal is to understand your child's unique profile of strengths, abilities, and challenges. We focus on their overall development, social interaction, and personal comfort, not just isolated motor difficulties. This holistic perspective ensures that any resulting therapy plan is tailored to the whole child, nurturing their potential in every area of life.

Multidisciplinary Team Under One Roof

One of the greatest challenges for parents can be navigating appointments with multiple specialists in different locations. Cadabam’s simplifies this. Our cohesive team—including developmental paediatricians, paediatric physiotherapists, child psychologists, occupational therapists, and special educators—collaborates on every single Cerebral Palsy evaluation process. This integrated approach prevents fragmented care and conflicting opinions, culminating in a single, unified report and a clear path forward for your family.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for Accurate Assessment

A precise evaluation requires the right environment. Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art, child-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated spaces for motor skills observation, sensory-friendly assessment rooms, and comfortable areas for parent interviews. This purpose-built environment allows our experts to accurately assess a child’s natural movements, responses, and abilities in a setting where they can feel secure.

Guiding You from Diagnosis to Therapy

The evaluation is just the beginning of the journey. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our process is designed for a seamless transition from the initial assessment to creating a personalised early intervention and therapy plan. We don't just provide answers; we provide a comprehensive, supportive plan for what comes next.

Recognising Early Signs: The First Step in the Evaluation Process

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important observer. Trusting your instincts is the critical first step. Initiating an early Cerebral Palsy test or screening when you notice developmental differences can lead to interventions that significantly improve long-term outcomes. Pay attention to the following signs, which may warrant a professional evaluation.

Delays in Motor Milestones (Developmental Delay)

One of the most common early indicators is a delay in achieving key motor milestones.

Not rolling over by 6 months.
Difficulty sitting independently by 8-9 months.
Not crawling or using an unusual crawling pattern (e.g., "scooting" on their bottom).
Not pulling to a stand or walking by 12-18 months.
A strong preference for using one side of the body, such as reaching with only one hand while keeping the other in a fist.

Variations in Muscle Tone

Atypical muscle tone is a hallmark sign that a Cerebral Palsy screening test may investigate.

Spasticity: The child’s muscles feel overly stiff, tight, or rigid. They may have difficulty bending their arms or legs.
Hypotonia: The child’s muscles feel unusually loose or floppy, almost like a "rag doll." Their head may lag when you pull them to a sitting position.
Fluctuating Tone: Muscles may shift between being overly stiff and overly floppy.

Atypical Posture or Movement

Observe how your child holds their body and moves.

A tendency for their legs to cross over in a "scissoring" motion when held up.
Persistent walking on their toes or an unusual, asymmetrical gait.
Trouble with fine motor skills, such as difficulty grasping toys, bringing hands together, or picking up small objects.

Associated Challenges That Warrant a Screening

Sometimes, other challenges can co-occur and signal the need for an evaluation.

Significant difficulties with feeding, chewing, or swallowing.
The persistence of primitive reflexes (like the Moro or grasping reflex) past the age they should have disappeared (typically 4-6 months).
Potential co-occurrence with other conditions, such as sensory processing issues, which can affect how a child responds to touch, sound, and movement.

How to Test for Cerebral Palsy: The Cadabam’s Evaluation Process Explained Step-by-Step

Parents often ask, "how to test for Cerebral Palsy?" It is not a single event but a meticulous, multi-stage process. Here is how our comprehensive Cerebral Palsy prognostic test unfolds at Cadabam’s, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and In-depth Developmental History

Your journey with us begins in a comfortable and compassionate space where we listen. You will meet with a Developmental Paediatrician or a senior Child Psychologist to discuss your concerns in detail. We will conduct a thorough review of your child’s history, including pregnancy, birth, neonatal health, and key developmental milestones. We also gently observe parent-child interactions, as this provides valuable insight into the child's social and emotional world.

Step 2: Developmental Screening and Motor Skills Assessment

This is the clinical core of the Cerebral Palsy screening test. Our expert therapists use a combination of methods to assess your child’s physical abilities:

Clinical Observation: We engage your child in structured and unstructured play to observe their spontaneous movements, coordination, balance, and reflexes.
Standardised Tools: To ensure objectivity, we use globally recognised assessment tools like the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) or similar standardised scales. These tools allow us to score motor function against established benchmarks.
Physical Examination: A specialised paediatric physiotherapist will assess muscle tone (checking for spasticity or hypotonia), posture, gait, and deep tendon reflexes.

Step 3: Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Assessment

Cerebral Palsy can sometimes be associated with challenges in learning and cognition. A Child Psychologist will conduct a neurodevelopmental assessment to evaluate problem-solving skills, attention, and learning abilities. If required, and appropriate for the child's age, this may include formal IQ assessment or Educational assessment tools to identify any co-occurring intellectual or learning disabilities and build a truly comprehensive support plan.

Step 4: Referral and Collaboration for Medical Testing

While Cerebral Palsy is a clinical diagnosis, medical tests can help identify the underlying cause. Tests like an MRI or CT scan can reveal brain abnormalities, while an EEG can check for seisure activity. It's important to clarify that these scans are not performed at our center. Our role is to collaborate closely with trusted Paediatric Neurologists, integrating their findings from these medical tests with our extensive clinical observations to form a complete diagnostic picture.

Step 5: The Diagnostic Synthesis and Family Conference

This final step brings everything together. Our entire multidisciplinary team meets to discuss the findings from every assessment. By synthesising this information, we arrive at a diagnostic consensus and create a detailed, easy-to-understand report. We then schedule a dedicated family conference with you to:

Explain the findings clearly and patiently.
Answer every question you have—no question is too small.
Discuss the diagnosis, its type, and severity.
Outline a clear, hopeful path forward, including therapy recommendations and access to parent mental health support.

Your Child’s Journey After the Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Test

A diagnosis is not an endpoint; it is the starting point for targeted, effective support. We offer a range of therapy programs designed to fit your child's needs and your family's lifestyle.

Full-Time Developmental Rehabilitation Program

For children who require intensive support, our full-time program offers a structured, daily schedule. It combines physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special education, and speech therapy into a cohesive, goal-oriented curriculum designed to help children achieve significant milestones in a nurturing, school-like environment.

OPD-Based Therapy Cycles

Ideal for children attending mainstream schools or for families who prefer a more flexible schedule, our OPD (Out-Patient Department) services provide regular, targeted therapy sessions. These cycles, often weekly or bi-weekly, focus on specific goals and include a suite of paediatric therapy services like sensory integration and speech therapy.

Learn more about our Occupational Therapy programs

Home-Based Therapy Guidance & Parent Coaching

We believe in empowering parents to become confident co-therapists. Our team provides detailed home-based therapy programs, custom exercise plans, digital resources, and ongoing support through tele-therapy consultations. This ensures that the progress made at our center continues to be reinforced at home.

The Experts Behind Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Test

Our strength lies in our team. When you come to Cadabam’s, you are entrusting your child to a collaborative group of highly experienced professionals dedicated to child development.

Expert Quote 1 (Developmental Paediatrician):

“An early Cerebral Palsy test is not about applying a label; it's about unlocking a child’s potential. The earlier we understand their unique needs, the more effective our interventions can be in building foundational skills for life.”

Expert Quote 2 (Paediatric Physiotherapist):

“During the Cerebral Palsy evaluation process, my focus is on how a child moves. Observing their gait, reflexes, and coordination gives us a clear roadmap for designing a therapy plan that builds strength and improves function.”

Real Stories, Real Progress (Anonymised Case Study)

Aarav’s Journey: From an Early Screening Test to Confident Steps

The Challenge

Aarav’s parents came to us filled with worry. At 18 months, their bright and happy son was not attempting to walk and his legs seemed unusually stiff, often scissoring when they picked him up.

The Evaluation Process

The Cadabam's team initiated a comprehensive evaluation. The paediatric physiotherapist’s motor assessment and the developmental paediatrician’s clinical observation confirmed the parents’ concerns, leading to a diagnosis of spastic diplegia, a common form of Cerebral Palsy affecting the legs.

The Outcome

After the diagnosis, Aarav was enrolled in our full-time developmental rehabilitation program. Through daily, play-based physiotherapy and occupational therapy, he began to show remarkable progress. Within six months, his sitting balance had improved dramatically, the scissoring motion in his legs had reduced, and with the help of a small walker, he took his first proud, independent steps across the therapy room. Aarav's story is a testament to the hope and progress that follows a clear diagnosis and dedicated early intervention.