Recognising the signs
Do you suspect that your child is not developing like other children? Possible signs and next steps.
First of all: parents are always right!
If you have the impression that your child is not developing as expected for their age, but your paediatrician still says when asked a second time that there is nothing unusual and your child is within the normal range of development, and you still have a strange feeling, then insist on a second opinion or consult a neuropaediatric practice, because “they won't grow out of it!” The earlier you can start therapy, the better the chances! What could be worse than a false alarm?
If your child was born prematurely, they will probably be included in an early screening programme anyway, e.g. Wienet. If not, ask the hospital where you gave birth about a programme near you.
Watch your child for increased muscle tone, as well as
- Developmental delays: your baby seems very placid, does not roll over, cannot sit or crawl, often keeps one hand clenched in a fist, commando-crawls using only one hand. Babies and children with CP may learn motor skills such as rolling, crawling or walking late or not at all.
- Swallowing difficulties: can lead to problems with feeding and to aspiration (inhaling saliva or fluid).
- Visual impairments: squinting, wandering eyes, drooping eyelids or other visual impairments may occur.
- Speech disorders: difficulties in producing or understanding speech can also occur alongside.
- Unusual movements: such as head shaking, twitching or repetitive movements.
- Epileptic seizures: some children with CP have epileptic seizures. Note: in young children, epilepsy can also occur relatively unnoticed, as so-called silent seizures.
Further reading
Early Detection and Intervention Network — Cerebral Palsy Foundation
What Early Intervention looks like in the 21st century? | EACD Education