Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition linked to early brain development. This affects how your child moves, controls their muscles and holds their posture. At Scottish Rite, our experts support your child’s mobility, comfort and overall well-being at every stage of their childhood.
Our Approach to Treating Cerebral Palsy
We recognize that every child who has cerebral palsy has unique strengths, challenges and goals. Our expert understanding of these differences is the foundation of your child’s care plan.
As your child grows, their needs may change. We adjust their care plan over time to support new milestones. Together, we can center your child’s care around their evolving health needs, abilities and preferences.
A Team in Your Corner
Cerebral palsy can affect all aspects of your child’s life. One of the biggest benefits of coming to Scottish Rite is having an expert team of specialists in one place. They work closely together to address your child’s needs from all angles.
Your child’s care team may include:
- Pediatric orthopedic surgeons who focus on improving movement, comfort and alignment when surgery is needed.
- Pediatric rehabilitation medicine providers who guide bracing, casting and muscle tone treatments, including botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.
- Pediatric neurosurgeons who evaluate your child for surgical options that may help reduce muscle tightness and improve movement.
- Neurologists who address neurological conditions associated with cerebral palsy, such as seizures.
- Advanced practice providers who provide comprehensive care and support.
- Orthotists who evaluate, fit and fabricate braces to improve your child’s mobility.
- Physical therapists who help your child build strength and skills for improved movement.
- Occupational therapists who help your child gain independence in daily tasks and learn to use adaptive equipment.
- Psychologists who support your child’s social and emotional challenges.
- Developmental and behavioral pediatricians who address other health problems and behavioral differences.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
There are several types of cerebral palsy, based on how your child’s movement and muscle tone are affected.
Each type affects children differently and may change as they grow.
Common types of cerebral palsy include:
- Spastic cerebral palsy: Causes muscle stiffness and tightness, which can affect walking, posture and movement.
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Causes involuntary movements that make controlling posture and motion difficult.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy: Affects balance and coordination, leading to unsteady or shaky movements.
- Mixed cerebral palsy: Includes features from more than one type of cerebral palsy.
The type of cerebral palsy your child has will help guide treatment decisions, as care is always tailored to their individual needs.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy develops early in your child’s life when their movement and muscle control are developing. This can be before birth, during delivery or in early infancy.
There are several known risk factors linked to cerebral palsy, including:
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Brain infections, bleeding or lack of oxygen early in life
- Complications during pregnancy or delivery
If you have concerns about your child’s development, our team can provide an early evaluation. This can help give you answers and a clearer path forward.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary widely between children. Common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy may include:
- Delayed motor milestones
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
- Differences in walking or posture
- Toe-walking or poor balance
- Difficulty using hands or arms
- Muscle tightness that worsens with growth
- Differences in how both sides of the body move
Early evaluation can help guide treatment and support development. Talk to a Scottish Rite specialist if you are concerned about your child’s movement or other symptoms.
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis at Scottish Rite
Many families come to Scottish Rite with a cerebral palsy diagnosis or other movement and developmental concerns. We also help families who are seeking answers after noticing delayed milestones or changes in how their child moves.
Your child’s evaluation at Scottish Rite often begins with an orthopedic visit focused on movement, posture and overall function. Your child’s provider will take time to understand your child’s history, development and daily experiences.
We may observe how your child walks, sits or uses their hands. We will also ask about school, activities and daily routines. This helps shape thoughtful, individualized recommendations.
The first visit helps determine which specialists should be involved in your child’s ongoing care. Your child’s provider may also recommend additional imaging or evaluations to help guide your child’s care plan.
Throughout the process, we will make sure you receive clear explanations and realistic guidance. You will have time to ask questions and talk through concerns before leaving your appointment. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s needs and feel confident about next steps.
Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy treatment is long-term and evolves as your child grows. Treatment focuses on improving comfort, increasing independence and preventing future complications, whenever possible.
Our specialists use experience and careful planning to guide treatment decisions. They will also partner closely with you and your family to make sure you play an active role in all aspects of your child’s care.
Your child’s care plan may include a wide range of services and treatments, including:
- Therapy services: Physical and occupational therapy support movement, coordination and functional skills. Our team focuses on short-term, goal-based therapy, including post-surgical recovery.
- Bracing and mobility support: Braces and adaptive equipment help improve stability and positioning. They can help support your child’s mobility and comfort in everyday activities.
- Tone management: Treatments to manage muscle tightness may include medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections and, in some cases, surgery. These approaches can help improve comfort, positioning and ease of movement.
- Surgical care: We may consider different surgical options if they can meaningfully improve your child’s comfort, function or quality of life.
- Therapeutic recreation: In therapeutic recreation, your child can interact with peers and participate in adaptive sports, games and more.
Why Choose Us?
Care that spans childhood and adolescence: Our team provides consistent cerebral palsy care from early childhood through adolescence and important life transitions. Many families work with the same providers over time, building trust and shared understanding. This long-term relationship allows us to anticipate challenges before they arise.
Partnership beyond the hospital: Your child’s care team can partner with schools, therapists and community resources to support your child beyond clinic visits. We help families navigate school accommodations, therapy coordination and transition planning.
A kid-centered environment: Scottish Rite offers a supportive, welcoming environment designed specifically for children with complex needs. Our spaces, equipment and staff are built around pediatric care. And every provider specializes exclusively in children.
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Cerebral palsy is usually not inherited. In some cases, there may be genetic factors that increase the risk, but most cases are linked to early brain development differences.
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Some children with cerebral palsy may have learning, speech or communication challenges. Others have typical learning and communication abilities.
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How cerebral palsy affects a child may change as they grow and develop. Ongoing care helps address new challenges and support changing needs.
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Some children use braces, walkers or wheelchairs to support mobility and positioning. Equipment needs vary widely and may change over time.
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As children approach adulthood, our care teams will help plan for transition to adult providers. Families receive guidance to support continuity of care.
