Preventive health and screening for people with cerebral palsy

Some people with cerebral palsy have no other related health issues, but most are likely to experience a range of associated social, functional and health problems throughout their lives. An annual health assessment is recommended to facilitate the detection, management and monitoring of health issues; see also Common health problems in people with cerebral palsy.

Consider using a comprehensive disability health assessment template to facilitate screening to identify health problems that are often missed or misdiagnosed in people with developmental disability; see Comprehensive health assessments and Commonly missed health problems in people with developmental disability. The Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AusACPDM) has educational resources to support general practitioners in caring for people with cerebral palsy.

For advice on preventive health and screening at various life stages in people with developmental disability, see children, adolescents, adults or people who are ageing.

Refer to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.