Intellectual disability

Fewer than half of all people with cerebral palsy have intellectual disability. Neither the severity of motor disorder, nor the person’s ability to use speech, are reliable indicators of cognitive ability.

Specific learning difficulties are more common in people with cerebral palsy than in the general population; these include problems with executive function, attention control and motor planning (ie organisation and sequencing of movement). Most children with cerebral palsy, and some adults with learning difficulties, will benefit from formal cognitive assessment by an educational psychologist; see Assessment of developmental delay and disability. Testing can identify areas of cognitive strength and abilities, as well as areas of weakness, and it informs those providing support within educational, vocational or occupational settings. Testing is often provided through schools, but is also available privately.

In people with cerebral palsy who have intellectual disability or learning difficulties, early interventions are important to optimise cognitive function and facilitate learning and development. Funding may be available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).