The Importance of Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in children, but the diagnosis says less about a child's future than the quality of early therapy does. Brains under two are remarkably plastic, and structured input during this period can change a child's lifetime trajectory.

What 'early' means

Specialists can now identify infants at high risk of CP from around 3–5 months of age using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination and General Movements Assessment. Waiting for a formal diagnosis at 18–24 months wastes the most plastic period of brain development.

What we do

Our paediatric programme combines Neurodevelopmental Therapy, motor learning principles, parent coaching for play-based practice at home, and assistive device training where appropriate. We work alongside the child's paediatrician and orthopaedic team rather than replacing them.

Goals at every stage

For infants we focus on midline orientation, head and trunk control, and reaching. As the child grows, we shift to gross motor milestones, gait, and skills that support school participation. Parents are partners — most progress happens at home, not in the clinic.

Coming to clinic

If you have any concern about a child's development — late head control, persistent fisting, asymmetric movement — please bring them in for an assessment. A 30-minute visit can change years of outcome.