Dr Morgan explained how children with cerebral palsy are missing out on early diagnosis despite parents having access to an extremely accurate test they can use in the comfort of their own home with a smartphone in the first months of their baby’s life.
“Babies are missing out and I want to see that change,” said Dr Morgan.
While the video-based assessment isn’t the only tool used for detecting cerebral palsy, it is the most convenient and accurate in showing an infant moving spontaneously.
While cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children in Australia, receiving a diagnosis can be a long and difficult process which can delay access to funding and services.
Currently only about 25 per cent of children with cerebral palsy are identified in the first 6 months of life. The general movements assessment is most effective in detecting cerebral palsy between nine to 16 weeks.
Dr Morgan is advocating for this assessment to be standard practice for every child to ensure no child slips through the cracks.
You can view Dr Morgan’s interview and story on Region Illawarra here.
