• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
behavioral disorders and cerebral palsy
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy and Behavioral Disorders
Last Updated: April 17, 2022

Cerebral Palsy and Behavioral Disorders

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Children with cerebral palsy are at risk for behavioral conditions because of the challenges that the physical disability presents and the underlying brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy. Experts in behavior and mental health can help parents and their children cope with and learn to change problem behaviors.

What Are Behavioral Disorders?

Behavioral disorders are more common in childhood than many people realize. Still, it can be difficult to distinguish between actual conditions and responses to stress or new situations, or even typical developmental phases.

To be considered a behavioral disorder, a problematic behavior or set of behaviors must be exhibited in a child for six months or longer. There must be a pattern of problematic behaviors that persist, despite interventions by parents or other adults.

Examples of problematic behaviors are those that are inappropriate for a child’s age or development status: harming self or others, destruction of property, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, lying, stealing, aggression, early engagement in risky behaviors like sex, smoking, or drinking, out of control tantrums, or doing poorly in school.

Behavior and Cerebral Palsy

Studies investigating behavior in children with cerebral palsy have found that they are more likely than their non-disabled peers to struggle with behavioral disorders.

The rate of diagnosed disorders in the cerebral palsy population is higher than in the general population of children. As much as 25 to 30 percent of children with cerebral palsy also struggle with a behavior disorder.[1]

Many factors contribute to increased behavior issues in children with cerebral palsy, including learning disabilities, seizure disorders, being male, comorbid conditions or disabilities, and communication difficulties.

Outside factors may also contribute, including lack of proper care, stressful environment, and caregiver strain in parents or others regularly involved in the child’s care. Difficulty with communication seems to be a significant factor in challenging behaviors.

Much like when tantrums peak at the toddler age before language develops, if a child with cerebral palsy cannot communicate effectively, they may experience frustration and act out those feelings accordingly.

Signs of Behavioral Disorders

Parents and other caregivers of children with cerebral palsy must be aware of the signs of a behavioral disorder so that the child can be evaluated and treated by experts. Living with behavioral challenges is difficult for everyone, parents, and caregivers, for the child with cerebral palsy, and for family members.

Recognizing and addressing the problem behaviors early is crucial for helping a child cope and learn new and more appropriate behaviors.

Several specific behavioral disorders may be diagnosed, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.

What is most important for parents and caregivers is to be able to recognize specific behaviors that are frequent,  persistent, and problematic:[2]

  • Self-injury
  • Harming other people or animals
  • Threatening others
  • Destroying property
  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • Cheating at school
  • Missing school
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs
  • Disobedience
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Sexually inappropriate behavior

These are just some of the potentially problematic behaviors that could indicate a behavioral disorder in a child with cerebral palsy. The general rule is that any behavior that is inappropriate for a child’s developmental age, such as tantrums in a 10- year-old, is possibly problematic.

Parents should also note any unusual or abrupt changes in typical behaviors. Problematic behaviors that persist for six months or more may indicate a behavioral disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Parents and other caregivers who believe a child with cerebral palsy struggles with problem behaviors should consult with professionals. They can evaluate the child, make a diagnosis, and help develop a treatment plan. As a parent, you may want to start with your child’s school.

A school psychologist or social worker may be able to do an evaluation or direct you to an appropriate professional. For children of any age, through teens, a pediatrician is a good place to start.

A behavioral health expert can evaluate your child through a series of observations and tests. Even if your child doesn’t meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an expert can still guide you to the appropriate resources or professionals that can help.

Any challenging behaviors, even those not labeled as a disorder, are disruptive and should be evaluated and addressed, both for the child and the child’s family.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment or intervention for behavioral disorders.[3] It is a type of therapy that teaches skills for identifying negative thoughts and feelings and learning to reframe or correct those negative thoughts and feelings before they become problem behaviors.

It is an effective type of treatment that helps many people, adults and children alike, learn to change negative responses and replace them with positive and productive ones.

Supporting a Child with Problem Behaviors

Recognizing and getting treatment for a child struggling with cerebral palsy-associated behavioral disorders is crucial.

These are the first steps toward helping a child learn to cope with negative emotions and other challenges that have led to problematic behaviors. Parents, family, friends, and caregivers of the child must also support the treatment and encourage positive changes.

One of the most significant factors for helping curb problem behaviors is providing supportive care to help minimize or manage the day-to-day stressors of living with cerebral palsy. A child that is not receiving the care they need will continue to struggle with problematic behaviors.

Home health aides, one-on-one assistants at school, and assistive devices for mobility and communication are all examples of supportive care that can be beneficial. Minimizing stress levels in the home environment is also important.

Some studies have shown that a parent’s stress level can impact a child’s behavior negatively. A calm and caring environment can help support a child as he learns to make positive changes.

Most importantly, see your pediatrician as soon as you suspect your child has behavioral challenges. The earlier you begin therapies and treatment, the better the outcome.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. McDermott, S., Coker, A.L., Mai, S., Krishnaswami, S., Nagle, R.J., Barnett-Queen, L.L., and Wuori, D.F. (1996, June). A Population-Based Analysis of Behavior Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 21(3), 447-63.
    Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8935244/
  2. Child Behavior Disorders: MedlinePlus. (n.d.). MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine.
    Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/childbehaviordisorders.html
  3. NIMH » Children and Mental Health. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health/index.shtml
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in primary care as well as adolescent mental health.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines