Support for children with cerebral palsy-hōkai nukurangi
Supporting tamariki with cerebral palsy focuses on helping your child to reach their full potential. Empowering, supporting and educating whānau is the most important part of care.
Your child may receive support from a range of health professionals or service providers. They will talk with you about how they can help your child.
To learn more about cerebral palsy, see the cerebral palsy page.
Cerebral Palsy-Hōkai Nukurangi In Children
Speech and language therapist
Speech and language therapists help with communication problems. They also provide support with eating, drinking or saliva problems.
Physiotherapist and occupational therapist
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists encourage development of motor function and motor control. They will work with your child to try to improve their function.
Some tamariki take part in short periods of more frequent therapy, often called ‘intensives’. These programmes may involve daily physiotherapy, occupational therapy or other therapies over several weeks. These are not usually funded, so you will have to pay for these.
Orthotist (a person who provides splints)
Your child might need splints to help with walking, standing and hand function. Your hospital’s orthotics service will provide orthotics.
Equipment and housing alterations
Your therapist may talk with you about equipment. Equipment can help your child take part in everyday activities and tasks.
Equipment can include:
- mobility equipment such as walking frames and wheelchairs
- adaptive equipment such as bath seats to help with safe bathing
- changes to your home to make it easier for your child to move around
Medical and surgical specialists
Medical and surgical specialists can advise you about specific treatments based on your child’s needs.
Some of the following treatments can support tamariki with cerebral palsy:
- botulinum toxin A (Botox®) injections to relax tight muscles
- medicines to help with tone such as baclofen and diazepam
- medicines to help manage seizures
- orthopaedic surgery, such as soft tissue surgery to release tight muscles, or bone surgery to realign bones and joints
As your child grows, tightness of muscles and joints and hip problems can happen. Your child's paediatrician or orthopaedic surgeon will advise you how your child will be monitored for hip or spine problems.
You know your child best. If you have any worries, always get medical help.
Things to consider for children with cerebral palsy
Tamariki with cerebral palsy have the same needs as all tamariki. They may need extra support in some areas of daily life to thrive.
There may be lots of things to consider, but the most important thing is to love your child and build your life as a whānau. You don’t need to do everything at once.
If you have any concerns about your child or whānau, reach out for support. Talk to other parents of tamariki with cerebral palsy, your friends and whānau and your health professional. The Cerebral Palsy Society is also available to provide information and resources.
Nutrition
It's important that tamariki with cerebral palsy have a balanced diet so they can develop and get the right nutrition to grow. Eating and drinking may look different for some tamariki. It may also change over time. However your child eats, it's OK as long as they get the right nutrients.
Some tamariki may need support. This may involve help from a:
- dietitian
- speech and language therapist
- occupational therapist
- paediatrician (child health specialist)
Some tamariki need to have tube feeding alongside their feeding by mouth.
Healthy Eating For Children & Young People
Sleep
All tamariki need sleep to grow and develop. Sleep needs change as they grow. Your child’s sleep needs may differ from other tamariki their age. They may have sleep disruption as part of their cerebral palsy.
Talk to your health professional if you are worried about your child’s sleep.
Hearing and vision
It's important for your child to have vision and hearing screening. This should happen in your child’s first year. Talk to your health professional about when and where this will happen.
Dental care
Brushing teeth twice a day is important for all tamariki, including those who are tube fed. This helps to prevent tooth decay. Having regular dental checks also helps keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Basic dental care is free in New Zealand for tamariki from birth until they turn 18. Enrol your child with your local community oral health service as early as possible. Call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) to enrol your child.
Dental care may look different for some tamariki with cerebral palsy. Ask your local community oral health service for support and advice that is specific to your child.
Pain
Tamariki with cerebral palsy may experience pain as part of their condition. This can be due to a range of causes including:
- problems with digestion - such as constipation and reflux
- muscle spasms
- hip and spine changes that can make sitting difficult
Tamariki can express pain in different ways, such as changes in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your health professional if you are worried your child is experiencing pain. There are different options to help manage your child’s pain.
Educational support services
All tamariki with cerebral palsy in Aotearoa, New Zealand have the right to go to school. They can go to their local school, just like other tamariki. Some whānau may choose a specialist school or home education.
Your child will benefit from accessing educational support services in their preschool years. This gives them a foundation for future learning and can enhance their social skills as they interact with other tamariki in a safe environment.
Remember that tamariki with cerebral palsy are all different. They will need different levels of support with their education.
Some tamariki manage well in a mainstream environment with no support. Other tamariki will need one-on-one support or significant changes to the curriculum to support both their physical and learning needs. Some tamariki will need support from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists in school. These professionals will work closely with whānau and schools to try to meet your child's educational needs.
Tamariki with more significant educational needs may receive additional funding. Funding may support therapy and sometimes the use of teacher aides. Once your child starts school, their therapy team may change.
Other interventions sometimes used for cerebral palsy
There are some newer interventions for cerebral palsy that you may read about. Health professionals and researchers are still learning about these and how much they help. These interventions are not usually funded in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Some whānau have chosen to explore these options for their child. Talk to your health professional if you want to know more about these interventions.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)
This procedure to treat spasticity involves cutting spinal nerve rootlets. It is appropriate for carefully selected tamariki with cerebral palsy. It is not available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Parents considering SDR for their child should talk to their paediatrician. The paediatrician may discuss this with a paediatric rehabilitation specialist. There is no funding available in Aotearoa New Zealand for this treatment.
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB)
Tamariki receive this medicine into the space around the spinal cord by a continuous pump. This procedure is not funded for tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Complementary and alternative treatment approaches
Some parents want to look at complementary and alternative treatment approaches.
Advice For Parents About Complementary & Alternative Medicine
If you are considering stem cell therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy for your child with cerebral palsy, please read some information about these.
Cerebral Palsy & Stem Cell Treatments
Cerebral Palsy & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Supporting yourself, your child and your whānau
Parents and whānau play a big role in helping tamariki grow, learn, and enjoy life. Like all tamariki, tamariki with cerebral palsy have their own strengths, interests, and personalities.
Give love and encouragement
Show your child they are loved, accepted, and valued for who they are. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how big or small. Positive support helps build confidence and a strong sense of self.
Play and have fun
Make time for play, music, games, and outdoor activities. Fun helps your child learn, connect with others, and build skills. Include siblings and friends where you can. This helps support social development.
Staying active
Tamariki with cerebral palsy may have differences in movement, muscle tone, and coordination. Regular activity can help build strength, flexibility, and confidence. Activities like swimming, supported walking, or playing at the park can be helpful. Work with your child’s therapy team to find activities that are safe and enjoyable for your child.
Support communication and participation
Some tamariki with cerebral palsy may find it harder to communicate or take part in activities. Participation looks different for every child. Give your child time and opportunities to express themselves. Use tools or supports if needed. This might include communication devices or support from a speech and language therapist.
Support sensory needs
Some tamariki with cerebral palsy may be sensitive to noise, lights, textures, or movement. You might notice they seek out or avoid certain sensations. Gentle routines, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly activities can help them feel calm and comfortable. An occupational therapist can provide advice and support.
Celebrate their strengths
Every child is unique. Notice what your child enjoys and what they are good at. Give them opportunities to do more of these activities. Building on their strengths helps them feel proud and motivated.
Be part of the community
Help your child be involved in your whānau, school, and community. Join groups, go to events, or explore new places together. Connection and belonging are an important part of wellbeing.
Look after yourself
Your child’s needs can feel overwhelming at times. It’s OK to take time out for yourself and to ask for help.
Looking after yourself is an important part of caring for your child. This might include:
- taking short breaks when you can
- asking for help from whānau or friends
- getting enough rest, exercise, and eating well
- doing small things you enjoy
Even small moments of rest and support can make a difference.
Some parents feel pressure to do lots of therapy and worry they are not doing enough. There is no single ‘right’ amount of therapy. It's OK to take a balanced approach that works for your child and your whānau.
Accept help and build a support team
You do not have to do everything on your own. Your child’s care may involve a team of health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. Early intervention services can also provide support with development and learning.
Getting information and support early can help. Talk to your health professional about services and supports available in your area. The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand has information, resources, and can connect you with other whānau.
Connect with others
Talking to other parents can make a big difference. You can meet in person or join online support groups to share experiences and feel less alone.
Coping With Your Child's Diagnosis
More information
Listing Of Information, Support & Resources On Cerebral Palsy
The Cerebral Palsy Society website has information and support to help people living with cerebral palsy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you are a parent of a child already diagnosed with cerebral palsy and living in Aotearoa New Zealand, you may wish to register your child with the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register.
Cerebral Palsy Youth Alliance videos
Watch some Cerebral Palsy Youth Alliance videos.
