Cerebral Palsy Program

The Cerebral Palsy Program at the duPont Hospital for Children features the expertise of a wide array of medical and allied health professionals who provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary medical and support services for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

The program functions as a resource for the child's family physician, community caregivers, and family members by providing services that do not exist in the child's community, or by supplementing those services that do exist.

An orthopedic surgeon and a developmental pediatrician co-direct the program. A clinical nurse specialist coordinates all services. Other duPont professionals, including neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, a social worker and a nutritionist are available for consultation and treatment as needed.

Services Available:

• Speech therapy evaluation and treatment
• Occupational therapy evaluation and treatment
• Physical therapy evaluation and treatment
• Rehabilitation therapy evaluation and treatment
• Hearing tests
• Spasticity evaluation and treatment
• Bracing

Typical Diagnoses/Problems:

• Cerebral palsy
• Seizures
• Poor nutrition
• Spasticity
• Drooling
• Fractures

The Cerebral Palsy Program refers patients and their families to a variety of information sources such as:

• The United Cerebral Palsy Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
• Miller, Bachrach, et al, CEREBRAL PALSY: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR CAREGIVING. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press.