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    Your central hub for information, support tools, and practical advice.

    We have a wealth of knowledge to share with you about living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and have pulled this together in this section to help you access the information you need, when you need it.

    Discover our resources

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    Disability Awareness

    What is Cerebral Palsy?

    In recognition of World CP Day, we've created this introduction article to cerebral palsy and gathered lived experience stories and...
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    Disability Advocacy
    Disability Awareness

    Making Local Change

    In this five-part video series, members of the SCIA Advocacy community share their experiences of making local change.
    Read More
    Disability Awareness
    Exercise and Rehabilitation
    Life Stories

    One in Five: Episode Five with Elizabeth Abrahams

    After being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), Elizabeth has found new ways to stay active, maintain her independence and...
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    Carers Support
    Daily Living Skills
    Disability Awareness

    Shaped by the Unexpected with Alexa Locke

    For this episode, Susan speaks to Alexa Locke, Director with the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) as she shares...
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    Disability Advocacy
    NDIS

    Understanding NDIS changes

    To help make sense of recent changes to the NDIS, SCIA Advocacy has developed a five-part video series explaining the...
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    Disability Awareness
    Exercise and Rehabilitation
    Life Stories

    One in Five: Episode Four with Stuart Hurst

    After a life-changing motorcycle accident in Nepal, Stuart shares his experience of living with a spinal cord injury and rebuilding...
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    World Cerebral Palsy Day logo featuring a green circular graphic on a black background with the text 'World Cerebral Palsy Day' and 'Oct 6'

    Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice.

    World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day is a global movement that recognises, celebrates, and advocates for the 50 million people living with CP worldwide. This year’s theme ‘Unique and United’ highlights that every person with CP has their own experiences, priorities and ideas about what needs to change. It celebrates the impact that can be made when people with CP, their families, supporters and communities work together to create positive change.

    In recognition of World CP Day, we’ve created this introduction article to cerebral palsy and gathered lived experience stories and resources from people within our community.

    Understanding Cerebral Palsy

    Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects how a person moves, controls their muscles and maintains balance and coordination. The name cerebral palsy comes from the words ‘Cerebral’ meaning brain, and ‘palsy’ meaning difficulty with movement.

    Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood in Australia. In most cases, it is caused by an injury to the developing brain during pregnancy, shortly after birth or during the first few years of life.

    Examples of common causes of CP include:

    • Reduced oxygen or blood supply to the baby’s developing brain
    • Infection during pregnancy or in early infancy
    • A stroke before or after birth
    • Being born very preterm, or at a very low birth weight
    • Head injury in infancy or early childhood
    • Genetic factors

    Types of Cerebral Palsy 

    There are different types of Cerebral palsy, and they can affect the body in different ways. Cerebral palsy is often described and categorised in two ways:

    Categorised by movement type:

    • Spastic (the most common form of CP) – Characterised by stiff or tight muscles making movement difficult.
    • Dyskenetic – Characterised by involuntary movements, such as twisting, writhing or sudden movements.
    • Ataxic – Characterised by shaky or unsteady movements, affecting balance and coordination.
    • Mixed – A combination of types of CP.

    Categorised by the parts of the body affected:

    The types of cerebral palsy can be further classified based on which parts of the body are affected. This includes:

    • Quadriplegia – A form of bilateral CP that affects all four limbs.
    • Diplegia – A form of bilateral CP that mainly affects both legs.
    • Hemiplegia – A form of unilateral CP that primarily affects one side of the body.

    Treatment and management 

    As with all neurological conditions, treatment and management of cerebral palsy will depend on the person’s symptoms, goals and individual circumstances. In all instances, the right course of action is best advised by a GP or specialist.

    Every person with cerebral palsy is unique. The level of support needed varies from person to person and may change over time as their needs and circumstances change. Support may focus on managing symptoms, maintaining mobility and function, supporting participation in everyday life, and helping people achieve their individual goals.

    Exercise and Movement

    For many people living with cerebral palsy, exercise and movement can form part of their broader support plan.

    SCIA operates NeuroMoves, an evidence-based exercise and therapy service for people living with neurological conditions and physical disabilities. NeuroMoves works with people living with cerebral palsy on mobility, function, health and wellbeing through tailored programs.

    In this episode of NeuroMoves On the Couch Series, exercise physiologist Jess and physiotherapist Noah discuss some of the common challenges people with cerebral palsy face when it comes to exercise, as well as practical strategies that can help people stay active.

    To learn more head to the NeuroMoves website.

    Lived experience perspectives

    Hearing directly from people living with cerebral palsy is vital in truly building understanding and awareness. Explore some of the stories shared on the SCIA Resource Hub:

    Cerebral palsy is one of more than 600 recognised neurological conditions.

    For a broader introduction to neurological conditions, including how they affect the nervous system and the treatments, therapies and supports that may be available, explore our article What is a Neurological Condition?

    You can also browse the SCIA Resource Hub for more lived experience stories, practical resources and information covering a wide range of neurological conditions and disabilities.

    References 

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