Would you be surprised to learn that one out of every 278 children have Cerebral Palsy (CP)? CP is the most common cause of childhood motor disabilities. CP rates are higher among boys, black Americans, and low to middle-income families. The study looked at eight-year-old children in 2002 in three different states in the U.S. A problem in the brain causes CP. This problem affects children’s ability to control their muscles. The part of the body affected depends on where the problems are in the brain. While genetic conditions may cause cerebral palsy it can also be caused by lack of blood supply to the brain before birth, infections, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen, severe jaundice, and head injury. Many children born prematurely develop CP from suffering from these effects. Children exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth may also suffer from some of these effects and develop CP.

There are different types and levels of disability associated with Cerebral Palsy depending on the part of the brain affected. If you notice that your child is reaching developmental milestones later than normal, you may want your child evaluated for CP. Some indicators of CP are specific to an age group. Children over two months old might have difficulty controlling their heads or have stiff legs that cross when picked up. Children over six months might still have difficulty controlling their heads and keep their hands fisted while reaching with one hand. Children over 10 months might not be able to sit alone and might drag the hand and leg on one side of their body while pushing off with the opposite side. Children over 12 months may not be able to stand even with support and may not be able to crawl. Those over 24 months might not be walking yet and unable to push a toy that has wheels.

Usually your child’s pediatrician will refer your child to a pediatric neurologist for an evaluation if CP is suspected. If your child has delays in reaching milestones, you may be able to receive free services from your local Early On or Early Intervention Services by just asking them to evaluate your child. To find out who to speak to in your area, contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by calling 1-800-695-0285.

If you suspect a child has Cerebral Palsy don’t assume the child’s parents know. I made that mistake once when I was a leader in our church’s AWANA Cubbies’ program for three and four year olds. A little boy had trouble keeping up with the other children when he ran. He ran very stiff legged. I remember another leader asked me what was wrong with him and I said he had CP. I thought it was obvious and assumed he had been diagnosed but never said anything to his parents. I found out a year later that he had just been diagnosed and his parents were surprised.

Being foster parents for 14 years makes people very aware of childhood conditions. We see many children, with fetal alcohol effect in foster care, who also suffer from CP. Typically, we ask for an Early-On evaluation for any child coming into our home who is under three. The earlier the intervention the better the child’s chance for reaching milestones.

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