Questions?What Are Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delays?
A cerebral palsy developmental delay occurs when a child struggles to reach key milestones in movement, speech, or social interaction. CP affects muscle control and coordination, making it harder for children to sit, crawl, walk, or communicate at the expected age.
While some developmental delays happen naturally, others may be linked to complications during birth — including preventable medical mistakes. If medical negligence caused a birth injury that led to your child’s CP, your family may have legal options.
Many new parents may not realize that cerebral palsy often requires lifelong medical care, therapy, and assistive devices.
The lifetime cost of care for a child with severe CP can exceed $1.6 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
That’s why it’s important to act quickly. If your child is regularly missing milestones or showing signs of developmental delay, they may have a condition like CP. Identifying the cause early could help your family access the financial support needed for their future.
A cerebral palsy lawsuit may help secure the compensation needed for your child’s lifelong care. Many CP cases result in multimillion-dollar settlements, providing families with the resources to cover medical expenses, therapy, and specialized support.
An experienced cerebral palsy lawyer can fight for the money your family deserves. The experienced attorneys in our network have helped families recover over $1 billion, including for cases involving CP.
We can help families in all 50 states. Find out if we can help you — get a free case review right now.
How Does Cerebral Palsy Cause Developmental Delays?
Cerebral palsy affects muscle control, coordination, and movement, which can lead to delays in mobility, speech, and learning.
The severity of these delays depends on the type of CP and the areas of the brain affected.
- Spastic CP: The most common type, causing stiff, tight muscles that affect movement and posture
- Athetoid (dyskinetic) CP: Leads to involuntary, uncontrolled movements, often affecting speech and gross motor skills
- Ataxic CP: Causes poor balance and coordination, making walking and fine motor skills difficult
- Hypotonic CP: Results in low muscle tone (hypotonia), causing movements that appear floppy or weak
- Mixed CP: A combination of two or more types, leading to multiple movement challenges
Each type of cerebral palsy can lead to developmental delays in different ways, affecting motor skills, speech, and coordination.
In some cases, brain damage at birth disrupts movement and learning, making everyday activities more challenging.
Types of Developmental Delay
Cerebral palsy can cause different types of developmental delays depending on how the brain injury affects movement, speech, learning, and social skills.
- Cognitive delays: Some children with CP may experience difficulties with memory, problem-solving, or learning new skills.
- Motor skill delays: CP affects muscle tone, coordination, and movement, making it difficult for children to sit, stand, crawl, or walk at expected ages.
- Social and emotional delays: Challenges with communication, movement, or sensory processing may affect a child’s ability to engage with peers and develop relationships.
- Speech and language delays: Weak or uncoordinated muscles used for speaking and swallowing can make it difficult to form words, babble, or follow verbal instructions.
Understanding the type of cerebral palsy developmental delay your child is experiencing can help you recognize early signs of CP and seek the right care and support.
Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay
Every child develops at their own pace, but consistently missing key milestones could indicate an underlying neurological or movement disorder like cerebral palsy.
CP affects muscle control, coordination, and reflexes, which can lead to delayed physical, cognitive, or social development.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delays in Newborns (0-3 Months)
Some babies show early symptoms of cerebral palsy within the first few months of life.
- Abnormal muscle tone, appearing either stiff (spastic) or floppy (hypotonic)
- Delayed neck strength development, making it difficult to hold their head up
- Favoring one side, like using one hand more or turning the head in only one direction
- Unusual crying patterns, including excessive irritability or high-pitched cries
- Weak or absent reflexes, including the startle or sucking reflex
Newborns with CP may struggle to develop basic muscle control and reflexes needed for feeding, movement, and interaction.
Identifying these signs early can help parents seek medical evaluations and early intervention therapies.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delays in Babies (3-9 Months)
By three to nine months of age, CP-related delays may become more noticeable.
- Difficulty holding their head up, even when supported
- Floppy limbs or muscle stiffness (spasticity)
- Lack of kicking or jerky, involuntary movements
- Trouble rolling over or sitting up without support
- Uneven movement on one side of the body
As babies grow, cerebral palsy developmental delays may impact their ability to explore their environment and build essential motor skills.
If your child is struggling with movement or muscle control, a doctor can check whether CP or another neurological condition may be the cause.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay in Toddlers
CP developmental delays may become clearer in early childhood, when toddlers (children ages 1-3 years) start developing motor skills and exploring their surroundings.
- Difficulty standing without support, even after age 1
- Dragging one side of the body while crawling, favoring one limb over the other
- Limited speech development, such as struggling to say simple words like “mama”
- Walking and crawling difficulties, including toe-walking or an unsteady gait
As toddlers become more active, CP-related delays may affect their ability to move independently and communicate effectively.
Early intervention can help improve mobility, speech, and daily functioning, so it’s important to talk to a medical professional if your child is missing milestones.
If you’re unsure whether your child has a cerebral palsy developmental delay, our experienced labor and delivery nurses are here to help — for free.
Connect with a registered nurse now.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
Talk to A Nurse Now
Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delay
Cerebral palsy developmental delays often result from brain injuries or complications before, during, or shortly after birth. While these injuries can occur for different reasons, certain medical conditions and risk factors increase the likelihood of developmental delays.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay
Brain damage can happen at different stages of pregnancy and birth.
- Birth complications: Prolonged labor, umbilical cord issues, and other complications can restrict oxygen flow (neonatal asphyxia), increasing the risk of brain damage.
- Head trauma during delivery: Misuse of forceps and vacuum extractors may cause bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), leading to CP.
- Infections affecting the baby’s brain: Untreated maternal infections or newborn infections like meningitis can lead to inflammation and brain damage.
- Lack of oxygen before birth: Conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can deprive a baby’s brain of oxygen, often resulting in CP.
- Stroke in a newborn: Blood clotting issues or abnormal blood flow can damage brain tissue and cause long-term developmental delays.
Recognizing these causes highlights the importance of proper prenatal care, medical monitoring during labor, and quick intervention after birth to reduce the risk of brain injuries that lead to CP.
Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay
Certain conditions increase the likelihood of a child developing CP and experiencing developmental delays.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the risk of multiple births and preterm delivery, both linked to CP.
- Low birth weight: Babies weighing under 5.5 pounds are more likely to suffer from complications that contribute to CP.
- Maternal health conditions: Pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, seizures, or maternal infections can increase the risk of birth-related brain injuries.
- Multiple births: Twins, triplets, and other multiples have a higher chance of premature birth and low birth weight, increasing CP risk.
- Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks face a greater risk of underdeveloped organs and brain damage.
Doctors are responsible for managing risk factors and preventing avoidable birth injuries. Failing to act quickly or provide proper care may be medical malpractice.
If you suspect a preventable mistake caused your child to experience developmental delays, your family may be entitled to compensation.
Get a free case review now.
Diagnosing a Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay
If your child is showing signs of developmental delay, a pediatrician can evaluate their progress and determine whether cerebral palsy may be the cause.
An early cerebral palsy diagnosis allows families to access treatment and support as soon as possible.
- Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®): Used for children 1 month to 5.5 years old, this screening tool helps track developmental progress based on parent-reported observations.
- Child Development Inventories (CDI): A set of assessments for infants through preschool-aged children, featuring 50 yes-or-no questions about developmental milestones.
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R): Designed for children 16 to 30 months of age, this questionnaire screens for signs of autism and other developmental concerns.
If you suspect your child has a developmental delay, a pediatrician can guide you through the diagnostic process and recommend early interventions.
Managing a Developmental Delay
While cerebral palsy has no cure, early intervention and therapy can help children develop essential skills and improve their quality of life.
Supportive care focuses on building mobility, communication, and social skills based on a child’s unique needs.
Motor Skill Delays
Children with CP often struggle with movement and coordination.
These therapies can help:
- Adaptive equipment: Braces, wheelchairs, and walkers provide mobility support
- Occupational therapy: Helps children develop fine motor skills for daily activities like eating and dressing
- Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and enhances movement control
Improving motor function through therapy and adaptive equipment can help children gain independence and participate more fully in daily life.
Social and Cognitive Delays
Some children with CP face challenges in emotional regulation, learning, and social interaction.
Strategies include:
- Behavioral therapy: Helps children develop coping skills and manage emotions
- Early intervention programs: Provides therapy and support for children under 3
- Specialized education plans: Helps children with learning disabilities develop academic and social skills
Early intervention can maximize a child’s independence and long-term potential. Parents can work with medical professionals to develop a personalized support plan tailored to their child’s needs.
Speech and Language Delays
Cerebral palsy can impact a child’s ability to speak or understand language.
Common interventions include:
- Alternative communication methods: Assistive devices, sign language, or picture boards help children express themselves
- Language therapy: Improves comprehension and vocabulary development
- Speech therapy: Strengthens the muscles needed for speaking and swallowing
With the right support, children with speech and language delays can improve their communication skills and connect more easily with others.
Can You Prevent Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delays?
Cerebral palsy prevention is not always possible, but certain risk factors can be reduced with proper medical care before, during, and after birth.
Doctors play a critical role in monitoring complications, providing timely treatment, and preventing avoidable birth injuries.
- Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy
- Get regular prenatal care
- Seek immediate treatment for pregnancy complications
- Stay up to date on vaccinations
Even with proper care, CP and developmental delays are not always preventable. However, some cases of cerebral palsy and developmental delays could have been prevented if doctors had properly managed risk factors and acted quickly during birth.
If medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition, your family may have legal options.
Get Legal Help for Cerebral Palsy
If your child is experiencing developmental delays, you may be wondering what caused them and what options your family has.
In some cases, a child’s developmental delay can be traced back to complications during birth, including preventable medical mistakes made by a health care provider. In these cases, you may be able to take legal action.
- Long-term care and support
- Medical treatments and surgeries
- Therapy and rehabilitation
An experienced cerebral palsy lawyer can determine whether medical negligence played a role in your child’s developmental delay. They will handle the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your child’s care.
Our legal partners have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, including CP.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see how we can help get the care and support your child deserves.
Cerebral Palsy Developmental Delay FAQs
What causes developmental delay?
Developmental delays can result from genetic conditions, birth complications, or environmental factors that affect a child’s growth and learning.
Some common causes include:
- Brain injuries at birth: Lack of oxygen (hypoxia), head trauma, or infections can impact development.
- Genetic disorders: Conditions like Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome can lead to delays.
- Maternal health issues: High blood pressure, infections, or substance use during pregnancy can increase the risk.
- Premature birth: Babies born too early may have underdeveloped brains, affecting motor and cognitive skills.
If you suspect medical negligence played a role in causing your child’s developmental delay, we may be able to help.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat about your legal options.
Can a child with developmental delays catch up?
Some children with developmental delays catch up with early intervention, while others may need ongoing support. The outcome depends on the cause, severity, and access to therapy.
Early interventions — like physical, speech, and occupational therapy — can help children build essential skills.
Do people with cerebral palsy have developmental delays?
Yes, people with cerebral palsy often have developmental delays because CP affects muscle control, movement, and coordination. This can make it harder for them to sit, crawl, or walk at expected ages.
Early signs may include stiff or floppy muscles, trouble holding up their head, or delayed reflexes. These challenges often become noticeable within the first year of life.
What is the difference between cerebral palsy and global developmental delay?
Cerebral palsy (CP) and global developmental delay (GDD) differ in cause and long-term impact.
Cerebral palsy is a permanent neurological disorder caused by brain damage or abnormal development, primarily affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination.
Global developmental delay is a broad diagnosis for children under 5 who show developmental delays in multiple areas, such as motor skills, speech, and cognition, without a clear cause.
While GDD may improve with early intervention, CP usually requires lifelong management to support mobility, communication, and daily living skills.
Can a developmental delay be cured?
A developmental delay cannot always be cured, but early intervention can help children build skills and reach milestones. The outcome depends on the cause of the delay and how well a child responds to therapy.
Some developmental disabilities, like those caused by prematurity or temporary health issues, may improve over time. Others, especially those linked to brain injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, may require lifelong support.
If medical negligence played a role in your child’s developmental delay, your family may be entitled to compensation to help provide the best possible care and support.
Get a free case review right now to get started.
