CPA’s Early Diagnosis Clinics are free diagnostic clinics for babies at high risk of cerebral palsy. The clinic aims to fast track diagnosis and enable quicker access to early interventions, family support and better outcomes for the future.
Each clinic has an expert multi-disciplinary team, including a paediatric neurologist, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and speech pathologist.
Why is early intervention so important?
Research shows that early intervention including intensive, repetitive, task-specific exercise should start for children diagnosed with cerebral palsy within the first 12 months. This is essential for the developing brain as the connections between the brain and spine are still forming. Experiences a child has when they are very young, shapes the way their brains develop. Infants at risk of cerebral palsy also need targeted intervention and monitoring to prevent secondary problems from occurring.
The international research community agrees that early diagnosis of cerebral palsy is 98% accurate when three specific tests show that cerebral palsy is likely. Along with these tests, your baby’s medical history will also be considered
Who is eligible for the clinic?
Infants 12 months or younger are eligible if they have clinical history indicating risk for cerebral palsy. Risk factors may include prematurity, birth defects, genetic conditions, intrauterine growth restriction, seizures, neonatal stroke, infection. See below for more details.
What can a family expect when referred?
The clinic comprises an expert multi-disciplinary team, including:
The team use evidence based assessments grounded in the latest international best practice guidelines. A comprehensive assessment is conducted which includes:
What happens if there is a diagnosis of cerebral palsy?
Our team are on hand to provide you with information, emotional support and support to access early intervention and additional resources. Each family will leave the clinic with a clear plan for follow up appointments at the clinic and referrals for further investigations and therapy as required.
These resources are designed to help you understand early diagnosis of cerebral palsy and how intervention can help. The links below include some quick facts about cerebral palsy, and information on a new assessment that allows medical professionals to identify babies at risk of cerebral palsy from birth.
Thurs 8.30am – 5.00pm (by appointment)
Thurs 8.30am – 4.30pm (by appointment)
Thurs 8.30am – 12.30pm (by appointment)
We will respond as soon as possible, between Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
The Early Diagnostics Clinic is a Cerebral Palsy Alliance initiative made possible by the support of NSW Health, Clayton Utz, The Farrell Family Foundation, Luke Hepworth, EA & N Hulak Foundation, ATS Charitable Foundation, Australian Turf Club Foundation, Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, South Sydney Juniors and Dean Henry.
