How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

What Are Common Therapies for Cerebral Palsy in Children?

Q: What therapy is most important for cerebral palsy?

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are essential. They help improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and independence in daily activities.

Q: Can therapy help my child walk or sit better?

Yes. Regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy can significantly improve posture, sitting balance, walking, and functional mobility.

Q: Does cerebral palsy affect speech?

Some children with cerebral palsy have oral-motor and speech challenges. Speech therapy helps improve communication, clarity, and feeding skills.

Q: What age should therapy start for children with CP?

Therapy should begin as early as possible. Early intervention improves muscle control, communication, behaviour, and overall development.

Q: Will my child need therapy for life?

Therapy needs depend on each child. Some require ongoing support, while others benefit from periodic therapy at different developmental stages.

Q: Do children with cerebral palsy need sensory integration therapy?

Many children with cerebral palsy benefit from sensory integration therapy, especially if they experience sensory sensitivities, balance challenges, or movement fear.

Q: Who provides therapy at Pranaah CDC?

Therapies at Pranaah CDC are provided by trained Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, and Early Intervention specialists under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist.

Dr Devi Raj
17 minutes ago
4 min read

What Are Common Therapies for Cerebral Palsy in Children?

A Parent’s Guide by Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, and the Occupational Therapy Team at Pranaah CDC

Hearing the words “cerebral palsy” can feel overwhelming for any parent. You may wonder:

“Will my child be able to walk or talk?”
“What therapies should my child get?”
“Can therapy really help my child become independent?”
“Where do I start?”

At Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam, guided by Dr. Devi Raj, a Licensed Early Interventionist, and our skilled team of occupational therapists, we support families on their journey every day.

This article will help you understand the most common and effective therapies for children with cerebral palsy (CP), how they work, and how early intervention can transform your child’s development.

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, and the Occupational Therapy Team at Pranaah CDC

Hearing the words “cerebral palsy” can feel overwhelming for any parent. You may wonder:

“Will my child be able to walk or talk?”

“What therapies should my child get?”

“Can therapy really help my child become independent?”

“Where do I start?”

⭐ Understanding Cerebral Palsy in Children

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects:

Muscle tone
Motor coordination
Balance
Movement
Speech
Posture

CP does not worsen over time, but children benefit greatly from therapy that strengthens their abilities and supports independence.

The earlier therapy begins, the better the child’s long-term outcomes.

⭐ Most Common Therapies for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Under the supervision of Dr. Devi Raj, Pranaah offers a multi-disciplinary therapy approach tailored to each child.

1️⃣ Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy is one of the most important therapies for children with cerebral palsy.Our trained Occupational Therapists at Pranaah CDC help children improve:

Daily living skills (eating, dressing, brushing)
Fine motor skills
Hand strength & coordination
Sensory processing
Core stability
Posture and balance
Independence in routines
Visual-motor skills (important for writing and play)

OT often includes:

Grasp training
Strength-building activities
Adaptive seating
Sensory regulation programs
Splinting if needed

2️⃣ Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy)

Physiotherapy focuses on improving:

Mobility
Balance
Range of motion
Muscle tone
Walking patterns
Sitting and standing skills

Children with CP often have muscle stiffness (spasticity) or looseness (hypotonia), which trained physiotherapists help manage through strengthening, stretching, and functional mobility training.

3️⃣ Speech and Language Therapy

Many children with CP have difficulty:

Coordinating mouth muscles
Expressing themselves clearly
Eating or swallowing

Speech therapy helps with:

Communication
Understanding language
Using gestures or AAC (e.g., picture cards)
Feeding therapy
Oral-motor strengthening

4️⃣ Sensory Integration Therapy

Children with CP may have sensory challenges that affect:

Balance
Body awareness
Emotional regulation

Sensory integration therapy helps children:

Feel more in control of their body
Improve attention
Participate in play
Reduce fear of movement
Expand sensory tolerance

This therapy is led by the Occupational Therapy team at Pranaah.

5️⃣ Early Intervention Therapy

Under Dr. Devi Raj’s leadership, early intervention focuses on:

Developmental milestones
Play-based learning
Motor skills
Social and cognitive growth
Family coaching
School readiness

Early intervention is crucial as the brain is most adaptable during early years.

6️⃣ Behaviour Therapy (if needed)

Some children with CP may have challenges with:

Emotional regulation
Frustration
Following routines

Behaviour therapists help children build:

Attention
Self-control
Social interaction
Adaptive behaviours

7️⃣ Assistive Devices & Adaptive Equipment

Therapists may recommend:

Walkers
Orthotics
Wheelchairs
Standing frames
Adaptive cutlery
Writing grips

These tools increase independence, mobility, and comfort.

⭐ How Pranaah CDC Supports Children With Cerebral Palsy

At Pranaah, therapy is:

✔ Child-centered✔ Play-based✔ Personalized✔ Family-focused✔ Evidence-driven

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, our occupational therapists and multidisciplinary team work together to:

Support movement
Build communication
Improve learning
Strengthen self-care skills
Boost confidence
Promote independence

Parents are included every step of the way to help continue progress at home.

⭐ Why Early Intervention Matters

Children with cerebral palsy show the best outcomes when therapy starts early. Early intervention helps:

Maximize brain development
Improve movement and flexibility
Reduce complications
Strengthen communication
Build school readiness

Early support truly makes a lifelong difference.

📞 Need Help Understanding the Right Therapy for Your Child?

Pranaah Child Development Centre, led by Dr. Devi Raj, is here to guide and support your family.

Pranaah CDC – Kollam, Kerala Holistic developmental care for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological needs.

❓ FAQ: Therapies for Cerebral Palsy in Children

1. What therapy is most important for cerebral palsy?

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are the most essential therapies, helping with mobility, independence, and daily living skills.

2. Can therapy help my child walk or sit better?

Yes. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy strengthen muscles, improve posture, and support functional mobility.

3. Does cerebral palsy affect speech?

Some children have difficulty speaking clearly or swallowing. Speech therapy helps improve communication and oral-motor skills.

4. What age should therapy start for children with CP?

As early as possible. Early intervention leads to better muscle control, communication, and learning.

5. Will my child need therapy for life?

Therapy needs vary. Some children require ongoing support, while others need periodic guidance as they grow.

6. Do children with cerebral palsy need sensory integration therapy?

Many benefit from it, especially if they have sensory sensitivity, fear of movement, or balance difficulties.

7. Who provides therapy at Pranaah CDC?

Therapies are provided by trained professionals including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, and Early Intervention specialists led by Dr. Devi Raj.