Every March, we spotlight cerebral palsy (CP), a condition affecting one in 345 children in the U.S. It’s a time to raise awareness, support individuals living with CP, and recognize the dedication of their caregivers.

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While March 25 is officially recognized as National CP Awareness Day, the entire month offers an opportunity to learn, share, and advocate. One of the most powerful ways to make a difference is through education. By gaining a better understanding of CP’s causes, symptoms, and effects, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for individuals living with the condition and their caregivers.

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For instance, children living with CP often have the ability to lead a fulfilling life and achieve great things, such as one of our patient ambassadors, Scarlett. Scarlett may need a wheelchair for mobility, but she hasn’t let that get in the way of her goals. Scarlett dreams of becoming a voiceover actor. She’s even landed a role in a Disney show, voicing a character who, herself, needs a wheelchair to get around, furthering the mission of creating programs for young audiences that feature characters of all abilities. (Read an exciting interview with her here!)

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Ready to learn more about CP? Here’s what you should know about this lifelong condition.

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What causes cerebral palsy?

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Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before, during, or just after birth. Although it’s not a hereditary condition, some genetic factors may contribute to an increased chance of a CP diagnosis. 

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Common causes of cerebral palsy include:

• Prenatal infections that affect fetal brain development during pregnancy
• Premature birth
• Birth asphyxia, or not enough oxygen during birth
• Low birth weight
• Traumatic brain injury just after birth

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What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

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Cerebral palsy is known to have a varying array of effects depending on the type of brain injury. There are four types of CP: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. 

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Each diagnosis is based on movement and other issues caused by the condition, as CP can affect perception, sensations, and musculoskeletal or orthopaedic conditions in different ways for each person. 

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It’s also known to be associated with epilepsy, vision problems, difficulty hearing, hip dislocation, and more.

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What are some challenges to living with cerebral palsy?

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Cerebral palsy affects around one million people in the US. A person with CP requires three to five times more energy than an average person of the same age. 

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One-third of adults report premature aging, some just after adolescence, often leading to a decline in mobility. That’s why approximately 40-50 percent of people with CP require the use of a wheelchair. There currently isn’t a cure, but various therapies can assist with enhancing quality of life. 

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How to honor Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month:

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In addition to learning more about the condition, there are several ways to show support all month. 

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Donate

There are several organizations that support children living with CP, and LuskinOIC is one of them! The Cerebral Palsy Center at UCLA and Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children strives to enhance physical abilities and independence for children with cerebral palsy. Our interdisciplinary team of medical experts is committed to addressing this complex, multifaceted neurological disorder by emphasizing early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and individualized treatment. You can support directly here.

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Attend or Organize Local Events

Different locations will tend to host fundraisers and other events on Awareness Day (March 25), which is also a great day to wear green, the official color of CP Awareness. The Cerebral Palsy Guide has some great ideas for hosting events at school and within the community.

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Here at LuskinOIC, we’ll be hosting our annual CP Camp from August 5-7, 2025. Located at our downtown campus, CP Camp was designed by the LuskinOIC Department of Rehabilitation as a way for children with CP to enjoy three days of inclusive activities, such as community building, adapted sports, arts and crafts, and daily group sessions. Learn more about last summer’s camp here.

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Spread the word!

You can help bring awareness to more people by sharing education about CP, such as this blog post or a page from our resource library. If you share on social media, be sure to use the hashtag #GoGreen4CP.

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About Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children's Cerebral Palsy Center in LA

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As the only interdisciplinary clinic in Los Angeles, the Cerebral Palsy Center is a leading institution in treating, researching, and educating on cerebral palsy. In collaboration with UCLA Medical Center, our cutting-edge biomechanical assessments, as well as research and clinical trial opportunities, are integral to our successful treatments.

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Learn more by watching our video: