There are three methods of diagnosing children with cerebral palsy (CP)—developmental monitoring, developmental screening, and developmental and medical evaluations.
Screening & Diagnosis
During the screening process, the child is tested to see if they have any developmental delays such as motor or movement delays. Some tests are formed as interviews or questionnaires completed by parents and others are administered by doctors.
A child ought to be screened for such delays in development during office visits at:
- 9 months
- 18 months
- 24 or 30 months
Most movement delays can be detected by 30 months. Screening tests can also be administered whenever the parents or doctor has concerns over the child's development. If the test results are cause for concern, the doctor can make a referral for a developmental and medical evaluation and early intervention or early childhood services.
What do I do if my child has a brain injury or cerebral palsy?
If you are worried your child is not developing their motor skills, you should contact a medical professional and discuss your concerns. If concerns are persistent, ask for a referral to see a specialist. You should also request a free evaluation from your state's public early childhood system to see if your child qualifies for intervention services.
Who you should call for a free evaluation depends on your child's age:
- Call your local early intervention system if your son or daughter is under three years old
- Contact your local public school system if your child is over three years old
If your child sustained birth injuries because of the negligence of your medical provider, you can seek justice under Georgia law. To pursue damages for an injury to your child, call Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC today and schedule a free initial consultation.