When Is CP Diagnosed?
Cerebral palsy is most commonly diagnosed between 12 and 24 months of age, though in some cases it can be identified as early as 3–6 months. For milder forms, diagnosis may not occur until a child is older — sometimes not until they start school.
There is no single test for CP. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical observation, developmental history, and sometimes brain imaging. In Australia, there has been a strong push toward earlier detection, with new guidelines recommending diagnosis before 6 months corrected age where possible.
Early Signs
Parents, carers, and health professionals may notice early signs that warrant further assessment:
- Not meeting movement milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking) at expected ages
- Feeling stiff or floppy when picked up
- Favouring one side of the body before 12 months of age
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Persistent fisting of the hands after 3 months
- Unusual postures or movements
- Delayed speech development
If you have concerns about your child's development, trust your instincts and talk to your GP or paediatrician. Early referral is always better than waiting.
Assessment Process
The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Developmental history — including pregnancy, birth, and early developmental milestones
- Physical examination — assessing muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and movement patterns
- Neurological examination — testing how the nervous system is functioning
- Observation of movement — watching how the child moves, plays, and interacts
- Brain imaging — MRI is the gold standard for seeing the brain injury
Diagnostic Tools
Several tools and assessments are used in diagnosing CP:
- General Movements Assessment (GMA) — a video-based assessment of infant movements that can detect CP risk from as early as 3 months. This is now considered one of the most accurate early predictors.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) — provides detailed images of the brain to identify the location and extent of injury
- Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) — a standardised neurological exam for infants
- Developmental assessments — standardised tests that measure motor, cognitive, and language development
- Genetic testing — sometimes used to rule out other conditions that mimic CP
After Diagnosis
Receiving a CP diagnosis can be overwhelming. It's important to know:
- You are not alone — there are thousands of families navigating the same journey
- A diagnosis is a starting point, not a limitation
- It opens doors to support, funding (including the NDIS), and specialist services
- Your child is still the same person — the diagnosis helps you understand and support them better
- Take time to process — there is no rush to have everything figured out
Early Intervention
Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes. The developing brain has remarkable plasticity — the ability to form new connections and adapt. Starting therapy early takes advantage of this critical window.
In Australia, early intervention services are available through:
- The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) — Early Childhood Early Intervention pathway
- State-based early childhood services
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance and other specialist organisations
- Public hospital allied health departments