Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe movement difficulties that arise when parts of the brain that control movement are either damaged or do not develop normally. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of movement difficulties in childhood. People with cerebral palsy often have speech and communication problems and difficulties eating and drinking; many receive services from Speech–Language pathologists. This entry describes cerebral palsy, the motor disorders that may be present and the additional impairments that often co-occur. Then, the difficulties that many people with cerebral palsy experience in speech, language, communication, and eating and drinking are discussed in more detail.