• 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
Child smiling in classroom
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delays
Last Updated: April 17, 2022

Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delays

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

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

For any content issues please Contact Us.

All children reach milestones for physical, social and emotional, cognitive, and language development at their own pace. However, if a child is significantly behind the average for meeting milestones, it may signal that there is a developmental delay. Cerebral palsy is a common cause of developmental delays.

Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delays

Children with cerebral palsy are likely to have developmental delays because they suffered brain damage during or right after birth. Often, the failure to meet milestones within a reasonable period leads to the evaluation and diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

For parents, it is essential to know what the typical milestones are. They should know the reasonable time frames for a child to achieve milestones and be prepared to reach out to their pediatrician if milestones are consistently delayed.

Physical Milestones

For a child with cerebral palsy, which affects the muscles and movements, physical delays in development is often the first sign that leads to a diagnosis. Early milestones, up to about two months of age, include holding up the head and pushing up when lying on the stomach.

By four months old, most babies will be able to lift the head up unsupported, roll over front to back unassisted, hold and shake a toy, and bring the hand to the mouth.

By six months, babies start to roll over in both directions and remain sitting up without help. They stand and bounce on their legs and begin to rock back and forth.

By nine months, babies stand up with the support of something to hold on to, sit up without assistance, and crawl.

By one year, most children can pull themselves up to stand and then walk with support. At eighteen months old, a child should be able to walk unassisted, help with undressing, use a cup, and eat from a utensil.[1]

Cognitive Milestones

Not all children with cerebral palsy will have cognitive impairments. The milestones may be right on time for these children, while others, like physical milestones, are delayed.

Some, on the other hand, will experience delays in standard milestones:

  • Two-month-old babies should react to faces and follow movements with their eyes.
  • They also start to get bored with activities and fuss. By four months, babies will respond to affection and reach for toys. They watch people’s faces and demonstrate emotions. They recognize people they know.[2]
  • By six months of age, a baby should be able to observe everything nearby, bring objects to the mouth, and express curiosity about objects they cannot reach.
  • By nine months, babies can play peek-a-boo and search for hidden items. They put objects in their mouths.
  • By one year, a child will start to explore objects in more detail, copy people’s gestures, use objects for their intended purposes, point at objects, and follow straightforward directions.
  • At eighteen months old, a child should understand what most objects are, scribble without help, and follow verbal commands with no gestures used.

Social and Emotional Milestones

Emotional and social milestones are not always as easy to assess, but delays in these can also indicate a child has cerebral palsy or another developmental disorder. A 2-month-old baby should be able to smile at people and use simple self-calming techniques.

By three months, babies smile more and play with people. They get upset when play stops and will copy facial expressions. They also imitate facial expressions, according to Stanford Children’s Health.[3]

Six-month-old babies begin to recognize people and respond to emotions in others.

By nine months old, a baby may start to show fear of strangers or cling to the people they know. They also begin to indicate a preference for favorite toys.

By one year, a child should have favorite people, show fear in certain situations, be upset when mom or dad goes away, and make moves to get attention.

At eighteen months, children engage others in play by sharing toys, throwing tantrums, showing affection, playing pretend with toys, and beginning to explore alone.

Language and Communication Milestones

Language delays in a child with cerebral palsy are not uncommon. These delays could be due to cognitive delays or the physical impairments in muscles that control speaking.

Children with cerebral palsy may also have physical defects that cause problems with vision and hearing:

  • By two months of age, a baby should coo and gurgle and also turn toward sounds.
  • At four months, babies make babbling sounds and attempt to copy adult sounds. Their cries sound different when they have different needs.
  • By six months old, babies respond to sounds with sounds, react to their own name, use sounds to express emotion, and start to develop distinct consonant sounds.
  • At nine months, a baby should understand the word no and say simple things like “mama” or “baba.”
  • By one year, babies can respond to simple requests and make gestures like waving to greet someone. They try to copy words that adults say and change their tone as they do so.
  • At eighteen months, most children can say several different simple words.

Evaluating Developmental Delays

For many parents of children with cerebral palsy, it is the evaluation of delays that leads to a diagnosis of the condition.

If you see delays in your child’s development, speak to your pediatrician, and consider having specialists evaluate your child. Some children simply have early delays and then catch up later. If the delays persist, there is likely something else going on.

Your pediatrician may recommend a speech pathologist specialist, who will evaluate your child by observing them engaging them in simple tests and tasks.[4]

A physical exam can uncover physical developmental delays, but gauging the other types of delays usually requires more thorough observations. A complete evaluation may require a developmental specialist, a neurologist, and a developmental psychologist.

Developmental delays are often characteristic of cerebral palsy, but interventions can help. Working with physical therapists, education specialists, psychologists, and others can improve your child’s development and help him catch up with other children.

The earlier you can determine that there is a developmental delay and get treatments and interventions, the better the results will be.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. Developmental milestones record: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine.
    Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002002.htm
  2. Milestone Checklists - CDC. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf
  3. Your child's social and emotional development. (n.d.). Stanford Children's Health - Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford.
    Retrieved from: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=your-childs-social-and-emotional-development-1-4521
  4. Speech and language developmental milestones. (2018, October 4). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Dr. Poinsett is a board certified pediatrician. She is a graduate of The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She has extensive experience in the case management of children with special mental health and physical health care needs, including developmental disabilities.

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