Early Intervention

Early Intervention

Brother holding his sister Tylynn (3 months old)

In the most general sense, early intervention for CP refers to starting therapeutic approaches as early as possible to improve the development of a baby or young child with a delay or identified motor issue. 

An early intervention plan should be developed in coordination with families/caregivers to create the best possible outcomes for both the child and family.  

Stories
  • Owen age 1 years old smiling looking behind his shoulder in the bath playing with a toy
    Stories
    Meet Owen
    Owen was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 6 months. By getting an early diagnosis his life changed forever.
  • Photo of 4 year old Taryn waering splints on both of her legs holding a sign at her dance recital
    Stories
    Meet Taryn
    She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 12 months & Constraint-induced movement therapy helped her recover the use of her left side.
  • photo of 9 month old baby sitting and smiling at camera
    Stories
    Meet Tylynn
    After we got the diagnosis we met with Dr. Maitre the next day and she gave us a roadmap.
Tips & Advice
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Talking with Professionals
  • Photo of an individual's care team
    Building Your Care Team- The People You May Meet
    When first meeting a parent who's had a child newly diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I really want to try and help them understand their baby. It can be difficult for parents to take it in all at once and many leave that first interview quite overwhelmed, but you're going to meet some really important and helpful people.
Expert Videos
Contributors
Dr. Kathleen Friel, PhD
Burke Medical Research Institute Blythedale Children’s Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College

Early intervention refers to starting therapy as early as possible to improve the development of a baby with a delay like cerebral palsy.