Atypical trajectory example: Cerebral palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is a broad term used to describe underdevelopment of or damage to upper motor neuron areas (brain). CP can cause high, low or fluctuating muscle tone, in some or all of the body. The effects can be very mild (with almost no impact on function) through to severe (where there is significant impact on function)

Infants with CP attempt to develop movement, feeding, self-care and play skills within the constraints of muscle tone that is altered. In many children, the neurological insult is not be restricted to motor areas and may cause deficits in vision, learning and hearing (for example). Cerebral palsy impacts on the child’s repertoire of movement and therefore the sensory motor experiences the infant has during play. As children learn through play, there can be resultant implications for learning.

The evidence for early intervention and neuroplasticity together with the rapid progression of skills in infancy provide us with a mandate to advocate for and provide the earliest possible treatment for children with cerebral palsy. Early detection is critical for ensuring early intervention. See the resources section for information.