As discussed in Part 1, early detection of cerebral palsy or other developmental delays is incredibly important. A list of potential red flags from 0-12 months old was provided for parents to be aware of. I am continuing with this blog assuming the reader is a nervous parent whose child is potentially showing “red flag” symptoms. Part 2 is a bit more technical which may or may not be necessary for all parents. There is a delicate balance between education and catastrophizing potential symptoms. If you feel that more information is anxiety provoking, stop reading and come back at a different time. Take in each new bit of information as you are able. I am 7 years into practice and still learning about early detection of Cerebral Palsy or other developmental delays. There’s no need to become an expert overnight!
If you’re past the “Is this normal?” question, and on to the “What do I do?” question. I will provide my insight as a pediatric physical therapist who has seen many medically complex children in Northern Nevada. To reiterate, this is a blog and not formal medical advice. So the first thing you should do, if you haven’t already, is discuss your concerns with a pediatrician. What happens next may include an overwhelming amount of appointments with medical specialists and therapists.
As a pediatric physical therapist, I highly recommend requesting one or all of the following assessments from a pediatric physical therapist, occupational therapist, pediatrician, neurologist, or developmental pediatrician:
The Hammersmith Infant Motor Neuromotor Examination (HINE)
Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP)
Prechtl’s General Movements Assessments (GMs)
Baby Observational Selective Control AppRaisal (BabyOSCAR)
To be honest, it may be difficult to find a provider in Northern Nevada who is able to perform one of these assessments as most of them require specialized training. I was trained to perform the HINE at Renown. Renown amazingly offered free training to local pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists in Reno-Sparks around February 2026. There were approximately 10-15 pediatric physical therapists and occupational therapists at the training who should be trained in the HINE the Reno-Sparks area including the inpatient staff at Renown. I hope to become certified in the BabyOSCAR assessment as well, as it is a very new measure that has a lot of potential.
If you are unable to find someone to perform any of the tests above you can consider asking for the following tests:
The Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC)
The Alberta Motor Infant Scale (AIMS)
The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS)
These tests look at either motor function or neurological function. They are standardized tests and most of them can be found on the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine’s early detection pathway. Ideally, multiple tests in conjunction with MRI imaging can be used to determine the risk of cerebral palsy. These tests will give therapists, physicians, and other providers data on your child’s ability level and how it relates to children with or without cerebral palsy. If your child is at risk for cerebral palsy, a team of specialists can then monitor your child to help determine the best interventions for them.
These tests provide information and data that can be incredibly useful. However, there is so much more to your child than just data and test scores. A “good” or “bad” score cannot predict your child’s future with 100% certainty. Nothing is set in stone. A test score is one piece of information that helps decide the next step.
If your child begins to show scores in areas that indicate risk for delay or disability, please begin therapies as quickly as possible. Request that these tests and measures be repeated every 3-6 months. Ask your therapists and medical providers about evidence based interventions and how to optimize time in therapies. Myself and other pediatric physical therapists are here to help you through this process.
It can be incredibly difficult to balance data and statistics with hope. No provider can predict the future. What I can tell you is that if you’re researching how best to help your child, I can tell that your child is loved. I can tell you that children with and without cerebral palsy or other disabilities live meaningful and beautiful lives. I can tell you that your child is not a data set. And, I can tell you that your child will always be your perfect baby.
