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The #1 cerebral palsy resource for families

Your guide to
cerebral palsy

Comprehensive, physician-reviewed resources for families navigating cerebral palsy. From diagnosis and treatment to therapies, daily living, and understanding your rights.

Types of CP → Treatment Guide
Medically Reviewed
Family Trusted
2,400+ Resources
Cerebral palsy by the numbers
764K
Americans currently living with cerebral palsy
1 in 345
Children are diagnosed with CP in the United States
10K
New cases diagnosed each year in the U.S.
20%
Of cases may involve preventable birth injuries
Types of CPSpastic, dyskinetic & more
Early SignsDetection & diagnosis
Find SpecialistsDoctors & therapists
Therapy OptionsPT, OT & speech
Family SupportGuides & community
Latest Resources
What families need to know
View all resources →
Adding Weights to CP Therapy May Improve Balance & Gait
For generations, physical therapy for cerebral palsy has focused on one central goal: helping children move through the ...
5/21/2026
New study solidifies benefits of early intensive therapy for cerebral palsy
For parents navigating a cerebral palsy diagnosis, one of the most urgent questions is often: What should we do first? T...
4/20/2026
KIdswell launches effort to bring cerebral palsy stem cell therapy to US
For decades, families affected by cerebral palsy have hoped for treatments that do more than manage symptoms.
2/18/2026
Processed v. Whole Food Diets for Cerebral Palsy: Does It Matter?
When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another form of early brain injury, parents quickly learn that care...
1/28/2026
17M
People worldwide are living with cerebral palsy
4types
Spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy
80%
Of CP cases are spastic type, affecting muscle stiffness
50+
Associated conditions families may need to manage alongside CP
Explore
Understanding cerebral palsy
View all topics →
Spastic CP
86 resources
Dyskinetic CP
54 resources
Ataxic CP
38 resources
Diagnosis & Testing
72 resources
Mobility & Equipment
93 resources
Speech & Communication
61 resources
Education & IEPs
47 resources
Associated Conditions
82 resources
How CP Affects the Brain
The brain regions behind cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy results from damage to specific areas of the developing brain. Hover over each region to learn how it affects movement, speech, cognition, and daily function.

  • Motor cortex: controls voluntary movement (spastic CP)
  • Basal ganglia: regulates muscle tone (dyskinetic CP)
  • Cerebellum: coordinates balance (ataxic CP)
  • Multiple regions: speech, vision, and cognition
Explore CP Types →
Brain anatomy visualization
Motor Cortex
Controls voluntary muscle movement. Damage here is the primary cause of spastic CP, leading to stiff muscles and difficulty with coordination.
→ Spastic CP
Frontal Lobe
Governs planning, problem-solving, and behavior. Injury may affect cognitive development, attention, and emotional regulation.
→ Cognitive function
Parietal Lobe
Processes sensory information including touch, pressure, and spatial awareness. Damage can affect perception and hand-eye coordination.
→ Sensory processing
Temporal Lobe
Responsible for language comprehension, hearing, and memory. Many children with CP experience speech and language delays linked to this region.
→ Speech & language
Cerebellum
Coordinates balance, posture, and fine motor skills. Damage causes ataxic CP, characterized by shaky movements and difficulty with balance.
→ Ataxic CP
Basal Ganglia & Brainstem
Regulates involuntary movement and muscle tone. Injury here causes dyskinetic CP, with uncontrolled, writhing movements.
→ Dyskinetic CP
Support & Resources
Help for every stage of the journey
Family Support Network
Connect with other families navigating cerebral palsy. Access support groups, mentorship programs, and community resources in your area.
Find your community →
Benefits & Financial Aid
Navigating SSI, Medicaid waivers, therapy coverage, and grants can be overwhelming. Our guide walks you through every program your family may qualify for.
Explore benefits →
Was My Child's CP Preventable?
Some cerebral palsy cases result from medical errors during pregnancy or delivery. Learn the signs, understand your options, and find out if your family may be entitled to a free case review.
Learn about your rights →
Cerebral Palsy Center
Written by:
Cerebral Palsy Center

Our nurses, patient advocates and legal experts are solely focused on bringing you the latest cerebral palsy information, options for financial assistance and access to community support.

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Last modified:
April 22, 2026
Created on:
June 1, 2025