Cerebral Palsy Program
The Yale Cerebral Palsy Program is a multidisciplinary program that provides 360-degree care for patients with cerebral palsy (CP), youth-onset brain injury, or any other neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. The goals of the program are to maximize the physical and psychosocial functions of its patients, and to enable and empower their successful integration into the world.
Musculoskeletal problems experienced by these patients are complex, impacting the musculoskeletal, psychosocial, and developmental aspects of their lives. Our multidisciplinary team is highly specialized and able to help patients across their lifespan—from the pediatric ages of newborn to 17, and then those 18 and older who are considered adult.
The transition from childhood to adult care is challenging for patients and parents alike, with few centers in the United States focused on this level of care. Our research-based approach strives to connect patients with the latest treatments and maximize their function.
Our mission is to provide better and safer care for a complex population of people, empower patients and their caregivers to achieve their highest quality of life, and share the program’s experiences and findings with the medical community at large.
Our Approach
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that primarily affects movement, coordination, and posture. The condition results from an abnormality or injury to the brain that occurs before, during, or within the first two years of life. The brain abnormalities and injuries that cause CP are non-progressive, meaning they do not worsen as the person ages; however, the symptoms a person experiences may change over time.
CP is the most common childhood physical disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CP affects an estimated 1 in 345 children in the United States.
While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition with no cure, treatments, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medications, and surgery, can help manage symptoms and improve motor function.
Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to cerebral palsy care through our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists. Our core team designs treatment plans that enhance our patients' quality of life by making options and care as accessible as possible through our specialists.
