Cerebral Palsy Delayed Diagnosis: Causes, Early Signs and Next Steps

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, posture and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain before, during or shortly after birth, and affects around one in every 400 children in the UK.

Although cerebral palsy begins early in life, it is not always diagnosed quickly. According to the 2024 Children’s Commissioner report, children with cerebral palsy wait an average of three years and four months between referral and receiving a diagnosis.

For families, this can be an anxious and uncertain time. While some children develop more obvious symptoms in infancy, others show much subtler signs that can take longer to recognise.

Early cerebral palsy diagnosis is important because it gives children and their families access to specialist support sooner. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, alongside practical, emotional and financial support, can all play an important role in helping a child reach their potential and reducing the impact of secondary complications.

This article explains why cerebral palsy is sometimes diagnosed later than expected, what parents and carers can look out for, and where support is available.

Why Can Cerebral Palsy Be Diagnosed Late?

Every child develops at their own pace, but regular developmental checks are designed to monitor how babies and young children move, play, learn, communicate and interact with the world around them. Delays in these areas may indicate cerebral palsy or another developmental condition.

Children should be routinely offered developmental reviews until around two years of age. Babies who have spent time in neonatal intensive care or have other known risk factors should receive enhanced follow-up from a multidisciplinary team during this period.

Despite these checks, some children still experience delays before receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis.

Some of the reasons may include:

Mild or mild-presenting symptoms

Not every child with cerebral palsy has severe movement difficulties, or movement difficulties that present as obvious. Children with milder forms of CP may walk independently and meet many developmental milestones, making early signs harder to recognise.

Research suggests that children with lower levels of motor impairment are often diagnosed later than those whose symptoms are more noticeable.

Symptoms can be mistaken for normal variation

Children develop at different rates. Delays in sitting, crawling or walking may initially be viewed as part of normal development or described as being a “late bloomer”.

Similarly, subtle stiffness, unusual movement patterns or favouring one hand may be mistaken for clumsiness or a natural preference rather than the early signs of cerebral palsy.

Some types of cerebral palsy are harder to identify

Certain forms of cerebral palsy, including ataxic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy, primarily affect balance, coordination or involuntary movements rather than muscle stiffness.

These difficulties may only become more noticeable once a child begins activities that require greater coordination, such as running, writing or using scissors.

Children adapt to their difficulties

Young children often find ways to compensate for weaker muscles by relying more heavily on stronger parts of their body. These adaptations can mask underlying movement difficulties, making cerebral palsy in children less obvious during early assessments.

A cautious approach to diagnosis

Healthcare professionals may sometimes monitor a child’s development over time before confirming a cerebral palsy diagnosis, particularly when symptoms are mild or unclear. This cautious approach aims to avoid misdiagnosis, but it can also mean families experience a longer period of uncertainty before receiving answers.

Kate’s Experience With Her Son, Leo

Kate Dixon, Welfare Benefits Advisor and Young Person Specialist at Brain Injury Group and Big Stepping Stones

“Leo was diagnosed at 18 months old. Looking back, the signs were there, but as a first-time mum I knew very little about cerebral palsy. Leo was born at 34 weeks and spent 12 days in hospital. Bringing him home, we thought we were through the worst.

After an eye appointment, Leo was referred for physiotherapy. It was only later that I discovered concerns had been raised. We attended physiotherapy for months without really understanding why.

Then, at what I thought was a routine review appointment, I was told, ‘Leo has cerebral palsy, don’t you know?’ Those words changed our lives.

I remember leaving the appointment feeling frightened, overwhelmed and completely alone. We were given very little information or support at a time when we needed it most.

No parent should receive a life-changing diagnosis without compassion, clear information and guidance. Early support makes such a difference, not just for the child, but for the whole family.”

Why Earlier Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis Matters

The developing brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and form new connections during infancy and early childhood. This is known as neuroplasticity.

Although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, early intervention can help children develop new skills, improve mobility and support their overall development during this important stage of growth.

An earlier diagnosis can also help families access:

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Specialist medical care
Educational support
Emotional support for parents and carers
Advice about financial support and available services

Receiving a diagnosis can also provide reassurance by helping families understand their child’s needs and plan for the future.

What Parents and Carers Can Do

Trust Your Instincts

Parents and carers know their child better than anyone else.

A GP, health visitor or paediatrician only sees your child for a short time during appointments, whereas you observe how they move, play and develop every day.

If you feel something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s important to raise your concerns. Trusting your instincts and sharing specific examples can help healthcare professionals build a clearer picture of your child’s development.

Keep a Record of Development

Many parents find it helpful to keep notes about their child’s development between appointments.

You can record observations in your child’s Personal Child Health Record (often called the “Red Book”) or keep a notebook with details such as:

When developmental milestones are reached
Any concerns about movement or balance
Whether your child consistently favours one side of their body
Questions you want to ask at appointments

Having a written record can make it easier to explain your concerns and identify patterns over time.

The Importance of Multidisciplinary Support

Cerebral palsy affects every child differently, which is why care usually involves a range of healthcare professionals working together.

The NHS often refers to this as a “team around the child.”

Depending on a child’s individual needs, support may include help with:

Movement, mobility and physical development
Speech, language and communication
Feeding and swallowing
Sensory processing
Muscle stiffness (spasticity) and pain management
Sleep
Bone, respiratory and digestive health
Emotional wellbeing and mental health
Education, independence and family support

Working together, these professionals can create a personalised plan that supports both the child and their family.

How Brain Injury Group Can Help

If your child has experienced a delayed diagnosis of cerebral palsy, or if you are recognising some signs, you may be unsure where to turn next.

At Brain Injury Group, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. We can help you access clear information, specialist support and guidance to help you understand your options and find the services your family needs.

Whether you’re seeking practical advice, rehabilitation support or questioning whether you can make a medical claim following a cerebral palsy diagnosis, our team is here to help you take the next step.