Question
A friend’s child has recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Will the disease show any obvious symptoms?
Answer
Cerebral palsy is a disease that affects a child’s brain development, often leading to intellectual and physical development that is not as advanced as that of other children. Since it usually occurs in infancy, early symptoms may be hard to detect, potentially delaying the best treatment opportunities. Parents should closely observe their child’s reactions. For instance, if a child does not respond to sounds by 4 months old, or cannot recognize their name by 6 months, these may be early signs of intellectual disability. It is recommended that parents seek appropriate treatment and care for their child early on, following the professional advice of doctors.