Can a Child Grow Out of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy Is a Permanent Condition

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, permanent group of muscle and movement disorders. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for CP.

The good news, however, is that it is non-progressive, which means that it does not get worse over time. And, although CP cannot be cured, there are many great treatment strategies that can help address the symptoms of CP.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are four kinds of CP:

1. Spastic CP
2. Dyskinetic CP (including athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic CP)
3. Ataxic CP
4. Mixed CP

Symptoms of Spastic CP typically include stiff and rigid muscles that make movements awwkward and difficult. These symptoms can include arms and legs that are stiff and difficult to use, and in severe cases, difficulty with vision, hearing, speech, and seizures.

Dyskinetic CP (also known as athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic CP) is characterized by trouble with coordinating movement. Dyskinetic can affect the hands, arm, feet, legs. People who have Dyskinetic CP may struggle with sitting and walking, and may exhibit rapid or jerky movement.

Ataxic CP often shows symptoms that include balance and coordination difficulties and or trouble with fine motor control. Activities like sports or handwriting may be difficult for children with Ataxic CP.

Mixed CP can be any combination of Spastic, Dyskinetic, and Ataxic CP and can show a wide variety of symptoms.

The type and severity of CP that a child has influences the symptoms the child will experience as he or she goes up.

Can a Child Grow Out of Cerebral Palsy?

No, because Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition with no known cure, a child will not outgrow Cerebral Palsy. This means that no matter what the symptoms are, the underlying cause of the symptoms will never go away.

That said, treatment is a great way to address the symptoms of CP.

Between medicine, surgery, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health support, educational support, and so on, treatment can help children with CP and the families of children with CP better cope with and overcome the symptoms of CP.

(For more reading, our section on treatment has more information on potential treatment strategies.)

As a child grows up, how he or she experiences the symptoms of CP will naturally change. It’s important to reflect on the progress you’ve made, set reasonable and attainable goals, and remain positive.

Additionally, to the extent that it is possible, creating space for a child to have agency and be active in their health and treatment plan can be a positive experience–both for the child and for the family. Studies show that people who have an active role in their health and wellness tend to do better, and Cerebral Palsy is no exception.

No, because Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition with no known cure, a child will not outgrow Cerebral Palsy.

This means that no matter what the symptoms are, the underlying cause of the symptoms will never go away.

That said, treatment is a great way to address the symptoms of CP.

Between medicine, surgery, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health support, educational support, and so on, treatment can help children with CP and the families of children with CP better cope with and overcome the symptoms of CP.

(For more reading, our section on treatment has more information on potential treatment strategies.)

As a child grows up, how he or she experiences the symptoms of CP will naturally change. It’s important to reflect on the progress you’ve made, set reasonable and attainable goals, and remain positive.

Additionally, to the extent that it is possible, creating space for a child to have agency and be active in their health and treatment plan can be a positive experience–both for the child and for the family. Studies show that people who have an active role in their health and wellness tend to do better, and Cerebral Palsy is no exception.