Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Children

Dr. Eva Lassey, PT, DPT reviewed the motor and sensory content in this article. The remaining content follows published guidance from the sources named on the page.View full bio · How we write and who reviews it · Last updated August 28, 2026

Occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy focuses on hand function, daily living skills, seating and positioning, and the adaptive equipment that makes participation possible. The approach that works is goal-directed and task-specific — practicing the actual activity a child wants to do, rather than working on underlying components in isolation. An OT also addresses upper limb positioning and contracture prevention, feeding where it's affected, and school access. Because cerebral palsy is identifiable far earlier than was once thought — international guidelines established in 2017 that diagnosis is possible before six months' corrected age — occupational therapy frequently begins in infancy, during the period of greatest brain plasticity.

Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by changes in the developing brain. → What cerebral palsy is

What OT addresses here

Hand and arm function — reaching, grasping, releasing, using both hands together · daily living — dressing, washing, toileting, eating · seating and positioning, which underpins everything a child does with their hands · adaptive equipment and assistive technology · feeding, alongside an SLP where swallowing is involved · school access — writing, technology, participation · upper limb contracture prevention alongside medical management

What a session looks like

Goal-directed and task-specific. If the goal is drinking from a cup, the session involves drinking from a cup — with the setup adapted, the equipment adjusted, and the task graded. Sessions working on "hand strength" in isolation, disconnected from an activity, are the older model.

In infancy, largely parent coaching in the home. As children grow, a mix of direct work, equipment review, and school consultation.

Goals

Holds a cup with two hands and drinks independently · Puts on a sweater with setup help only · Uses a switch to operate a toy · Writes his name using a keyboard

Improves hand function · Increases upper limb strength

On communication

If your child has limited speech, presume competence and provide access early. Difficulty producing speech isn't difficulty thinking. An OT often contributes to AAC access — positioning, mounting, switch use, and the motor demands of an interface. → Speech therapy for cerebral palsy · AAC and nonspeaking communication

Frequently Asked Questions