As most people with cerebral palsy are born with the condition, the symptoms are usually observed early in infancy and almost always before the age of three.
Early signs can include muscle spasms, poor muscle control and lack of coordination. Infants often have early difficulties in feeding and are slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to smile, sit up, roll over, crawl or walk.
As damage to the brain does not change, cerebral palsy doesn’t actually get worse over time. However, with growth and age, symptoms may change and the effects on the body become more obvious. Early diagnosis can help children achieve greater control over movement by learning and practising motor skills.