Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers

Fact Checked

Cerebral palsy is often diagnosed around one to three years of age. Cerebral palsy in toddlers causes issues with movement and interferes with normal development. Symptoms include involuntary muscle control and limp or tight joints, and early diagnosis and treatments are essential for the best prognosis. 

Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers

Cerebral palsy diagnosed during toddlerhood doesn’t necessarily mean that doctors missed symptoms while the child was an infant. It typically means that the child has a mild form of cerebral palsy, and the symptoms aren’t significant or obvious until the child becomes a toddler.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that children in high-income countries are usually diagnosed with cerebral palsy between 12 and 24 months of age. Children in lower-income countries may not get diagnosed until five years of age.[1]

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers

Whereas some babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth or the first six months of life due to apparent signs, toddlers with cerebral palsy are often diagnosed when they enter the walking stage.

• Children with mild cerebral palsy may exhibit signs of difficulty controlling movement as they try to walk, marked by a limp or tightness in the joints. They could also have problems controlling the muscles in their hands and feet.

• Along with physical symptoms, mild cerebral palsy can also cause cognitive issues. Not all children will experience these types of problems, but those who do may lack vocabulary words that most children their age know and may have difficulties in learning. 

• The good news is that cerebral palsy is not progressive, meaning it does not worsen over time. Further, children with mild cerebral palsy can generally learn to walk unassisted and typically take care of daily tasks, such as eating independently and dressing.

• If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy during infancy, your toddler’s daily activities and symptoms would depend on the type of cerebral palsy they have, along with the severity.

• Toddlers with severe cerebral palsy will typically not be able to walk and will need to, at some point, use a wheelchair or other assistive device for movement.

• Learning skills could also be affected and usually manifest when the child is a toddler. While a toddler with mild cerebral palsy may communicate, toddlers with severe cerebral palsy may not.

• Toddlers with severe cerebral palsy are more likely to have feeding issues. Children who require tube feeding are at a greater risk of mortality due to aspiration, respiratory infections, and other issues.[2] Many of these children are also malnourished, which can lead to growth and development issues.

How to Know if Your Toddler Has Cerebral Palsy

Assuming that your child was not already diagnosed with cerebral palsy, there are common signs called developmental milestones that can help you determine if your child may have the disorder. Keep in mind that only a physician can officially diagnose your child.

These are typical developmental milestones in toddlers by age:[3]

Milestones by Age One

• Responds to and acknowledges simple requests
• Can wave and point
• Shakes and bangs things
• Copies gestures
• Can drink from a cup
• Sits without help
• Repeats sounds
• May be able to stand alone and take a few steps
• Walks while holding onto furniture
• Tries to emulate words and can say simple words such as “mama” or “dada”

Milestones by 18 Months

• Can scribble
• Points to body parts
• Can say several words and shake their head
• Eats with a spoon and drinks from a cup
• Can walk and carry toys
• Undresses without assistance
• May cling to caregivers during social interactions with others
• Plays “pretend” (feeding a doll, putting stuffed animals down for a nap, etc.)
• Possible temper tantrums
• Can say simple phrases

Milestones by Age Two

• Learns how to run and can stand on tiptoes
• Can kick a ball
• Can walk up and down stairs without assistance
• Can follow simple instructions
• Copies others, such as phrases and mannerisms
• Begins to play with other children (primarily beside them, but could engage in a game of “chase”)
• Finds hidden objects
• Can sort shapes and colors
• Can name items in a book (dog, cat, house, etc.)
• Knows body parts and familiar names
• Can say several sentences

Milestones By Age Three

• Can climb and run with ease
• May learn to pedal a tricycle
• Can turn door handles and jar lids
• Understands and plays “make-believe”
• Can turn book pages
• Shows concern and emotions
• Shows affection to family and friends
• Can name familiar items
• Knows first name, sex, and age
• Following two- or three-step instructions

How Do Doctors Diagnose Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers?

Noticing developmental delays is the first step in getting a diagnosis for your child. If you see these delays, talk to your pediatrician right away.

Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy in toddlers by observing developmental signs and any other symptoms. They may then order imaging scans to see the brain. These include CT scans or MRIs. Scans can show signs of brain damage that might have caused cerebral palsy.

Treating Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers

Regardless of whether your child has mild or severe cerebral palsy, it’s essential to work with your child’s pediatrician to develop a solid plan to help treat and manage it.

A toddler with cerebral palsy can benefit from a team of healthcare providers. A team of specialists can help them with nutrition, physical therapy, medication, occupational therapy, and education.

At home, you should keep communication open with your child’s healthcare team, who will provide daily exercises that work on the toddler’s cognitive and physical development.