Cerebral palsy
Also called: CP, spastic cerebral palsy
What cerebral palsy is, how it affects movement, and the therapies and strengths-based support that help children and adults thrive.
With early therapy and the right support, children with cerebral palsy grow, learn, and thrive on their own path.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and posture, caused by a difference in how the brain developed, usually before or around birth. It is not progressive - the brain difference doesn’t worsen - and every child’s abilities and journey are unique. Start with cerebral palsy explained.
A wide spectrum
CP can affect one limb or the whole body, and range from subtle to significant. Some children also have differences in speech, learning, vision, or epilepsy - and many do not. The focus is always on strengths and next steps.
How the brain is involved
CP relates to the brain areas that plan and coordinate movement - the frontal lobe’s motor areas and the cerebellum, which fine-tunes balance and smoothness.
The road ahead: therapy and play
Early, playful therapy helps children build skills and independence:
- Physiotherapy for movement, posture, and strength
- Occupational therapy for daily skills
- Speech therapy where communication or eating is affected
- Fine motor skills for young children
Growing up and thriving
Support continues into adulthood. Building routines, connection, and confidence - alongside supporting child development
- helps each person live life fully on their own terms.
Brain regions involved
Explore these in the brain education hub.
Therapies that help
Honest, cited verdicts and what to expect.
- Physiotherapy (physical therapy) How physiotherapy rebuilds movement, balance, and walking after stroke and in Parkinson's - what the strongest evidence shows, and why dose and task-specific practice matter.
- Occupational therapy How occupational therapy helps people do the everyday activities that matter - washing, dressing, cooking, work - after stroke or brain injury, and what the evidence shows.
- Speech & language therapy What speech and language therapy is, the strong evidence behind it for aphasia and communication after stroke, and how to make daily practice count.
Read about it
Plain-language guides and cited research on cerebral palsy.
Practise it
Do-it-on-the-page activities that support recovery.
Explore further
This is general education, not medical advice. Always check with a qualified clinician about your situation.