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Understanding Cerebral Palsy
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, posture and coordination, caused by a difference in how the brain developed early in life. It ranges from mild to significant, and can affect one side of the body, the legs, or the whole body.
CP is the most common physical disability in childhood. It doesn’t get worse over time, and with the right therapy children build movement, communication and independence. Some children also have differences in speech, learning, vision or feeding.
Signs by age
Early signs of cerebral palsy, by age
CP is often identified in the early years, and signs vary widely depending on the type and severity. These are common early signs, not a diagnosis.
👶Babies (0–6 months)
- Feels stiff or floppy when held
- Head lags when picked up
- Feeding or swallowing difficulties
- Favours one side of the body
- Unusual posture or stiffness
🧒6–12 months
- Not rolling over
- Difficulty bringing hands together
- Reaching with one hand only
- Not sitting without support
- Stiff or scissored legs
🧑Toddlers (1–2)
- Delayed crawling or walking
- Walking on toes or an unusual gait
- Muscle stiffness or floppiness
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Using one side much more than the other
🎒Older children
- Difficulty with fine or gross-motor tasks
- Fatigue with movement
- Communication or feeding differences
- Needing equipment or supports
- Working on independence and participation
Signs of CP vary a lot from child to child. If you notice differences in your baby’s movement, posture or muscle tone, speak with your GP or paediatrician — early therapy makes a real difference.
Getting started
Getting started with support
CP is usually diagnosed by a paediatrician, sometimes over several months as movement develops. The focus is on starting therapy early to maximise movement, communication and participation.
Cerebral palsy is on the NDIS List A, so children are automatically eligible. Your planner or early childhood partner can help set up supports.
How we help
How Daar supports children with cerebral palsy
CP is best supported by a coordinated team focused on movement, daily living, communication and participation — working with your family and any equipment your child uses.
Funding
Cerebral palsy and the NDIS
Cerebral palsy is on the NDIS List A, so children are automatically eligible without proving functional impact. For participants, therapies and supports are funded at no out-of-pocket cost. Our team can help you build and use your plan.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll match your child with the right support — and our team will be in touch.
Find the right support →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is cerebral palsy covered by the NDIS?
Yes — cerebral palsy is on the NDIS List A, which means children are automatically eligible for NDIS support.
Does cerebral palsy get worse over time?
No — the brain difference that causes CP doesn’t progress. With therapy, children build movement and independence; ongoing support helps manage the physical impacts as they grow.
What therapies help children with cerebral palsy?
A coordinated team — commonly exercise physiology, occupational therapy and speech pathology — focused on movement, daily living and communication.
When should therapy start?
As early as possible. Early intervention makes the biggest difference to movement, communication and participation.
Will my child be able to walk and communicate?
It depends on the type and severity of CP, and every child is different. Therapy is aimed at maximising each child’s movement, communication and independence.
Last reviewed 16 July 2026Reviewed by Daar’s clinical teamGeneral information — not a diagnosis or medical advice
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