Basic Guide to Cerebral Palsy

  • What is Cerebral Palsy?

    Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects the way that a person moves. It is caused by an injury to the developing brain, which usually occurs before birth. Read more in this introduction, What is Cerebral Palsy?

  • What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

    The causes of cerebral palsy are largely unknown but research in the field is growing. Some risk factors have been identified and researchers now believe that cerebral palsy arises from a series of 'causal pathways'. Read more in What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

  • Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

    Babies with cerebral palsy often have tight or floppy muscles, or are slow to reach movement milestones. A new General Movements Assessment is available to assist with early diagnosis. Read more in Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy.

  • Types of Cerebral Palsy

    Cerebral palsy can be described or classified in different ways, including by its impact on movement, the part of the body that it affects, and in terms of its impact on motor ability or function. Find out more in this guide to the Types of Cerebral Palsy.

  • Common Issues

    People with cerebral palsy may have a number of associated physical and cognitive issues, including mobility and speech impairments, seizures and intellectual disability. Learn more about these Common Issues.

  • Interventions

    Although cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability, there are many Interventions that can help with some of the associated issues.

  • What Does the Future Hold?

    Although cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability the future is promising with new technologies, equipment and interventions to help people live life to the full. More thoughts in What Does the Future Hold?

CP Helpline

The CP Helpline is a confidential information and support service for anyone who has questions or concerns about cerebral palsy. Read more about the CP Helpline.

CP Register

Australian CP Register

If you or your child has cerebral palsy, then you could play an important part in helping CP research. By joining a CP Register, you can help researchers learn more about cerebral palsy - benefiting you and future generations. Read more: Cerebral Palsy Registers.

ParentWise Podcasts

ParentWisePodcasts

Free Podcasts

The ParentWise Podcast series is designed to help families understand some of the complex issues of parenting a child with cerebral palsy. There are dozens of free podcasts on a diverse range of topics. Find them on iTunes and on the ParentWise Podcasts page on the website of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

Please Call Us

For Cerebral Palsy Alliance services across NSW and the ACT, please call 1300 888 378.

Your friendly local team will be happy to assist.