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6 | The Early Years Kete Cerebral Palsy - Hōkai Nukurangi TOOLKIT • Sometimes the exact cause leading to CP is unknown. • For all types of CP, the initial disturbance or insult to the brain often stays the same. The impact on your child’s physical development can change over time as they grow. Getting a diagnosis of CP – a pathway to diagnosis • The pathway to receiving a diagnosis of CP is different for everyone and may be very challenging. • For some whānau there may be factors that indicate early on that their baby is at a high chance of having CP, for example being born very early or having a very low birth weight. • For other whānau, delays in development milestones can be a sign to talk with your child’s health professionals. • Whānau have told us that while they were waiting to get a diagnosis for their child, they felt a lot of different emotions including relief, stress, anger, grief and uncertainty. • Currently in Aotearoa New Zealand most children get a diagnosis of CP before 2 years of age. • Many whānau recognise much earlier that their child has different development needs. Cerebral Palsy in Aotearoa New Zealand • CP is the most common physical disability in childhood, occurring in approximately 1 in every 500-600 babies born in Aotearoa New Zealand. • It is estimated that there are up to 10,000 people living with CP in Aotearoa New Zealand. Key New Zealand sources of information on Cerebral Palsy Kidshealth NZ Information for New Zealand whānau about the health and wellbeing of children/tamariki. www.kidshealth.org.nz/cerebral-palsy Healthify - formerly Health Navigator Service and resource information on living with CP in Aotearoa New Zealand – similar content to Kidshealth NZ. www.healthify.nz/health-a-z/c/cerebral-palsy Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ A member-based organisation that works to enhance the lives of people with CP, by providing programmes, support and advice. www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz NZ Cerebral Palsy Register (NZCPR) Te Rēhita a Hōkai Nukurangi Aotearoa The register collates information on CP in Aotearoa New Zealand, used to assist advocacy, health planning and research. Participation is voluntary. www.starship.org.nz/health-professionals/ cerebral-palsy-research “You don’t need to do or know everything at once.” - FAMILY QUOTE