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The #1 cerebral palsy resource for families

Your guide to
cerebral palsy

Comprehensive, expert-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
Sources: CDC · Cerebral Palsy Research & Education Foundation · see our causes of cerebral palsy guide
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 →
Early Intervention for Cerebral Palsy: What to Focus on and When
Early intervention can begin before a cerebral palsy diagnosis is even confirmed. Here's how early detection and therapy...
7/7/2026
Cerebral Palsy Treatment Innovations to Watch in 2026
A wave of research is moving cerebral palsy care beyond managing symptoms toward protecting and repairing the developing...
7/2/2026
Recent Cerebral Palsy and Birth Injury Verdicts: What 2024-2025 Tells Families
In 2024 and 2025, juries returned some of the largest birth injury verdicts in U.S. history. Here is what those cerebral...
6/30/2026
Deep Brain Stimulation for Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Where the Evidence Stands
Deep brain stimulation is best known for Parkinson's, but for some children with dystonic cerebral palsy it may ease rel...
6/28/2026
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:
June 20, 2026
Created on:
June 20, 2025

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified physician or attorney with any questions about a medical condition or legal matter. Read our full disclaimer.