When should I refer a child with cerebral palsy to a specialist for further evaluation or intervention?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer children with suspected cerebral palsy to a child development service for an urgent multidisciplinary assessment if they have abnormal motor features such as unusual fidgety movements, abnormalities of tone, abnormal motor development, or feeding difficulties .

Refer all children with delayed motor milestones, such as not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months, to a child development service for further assessment .

Refer children who have persistent toe walking to a child development service for further assessment .

If there are concerns that a child may have cerebral palsy but a definitive diagnosis cannot be made, discuss this with parents or carers and explain that an enhanced clinical and developmental follow-up programme will be necessary to reach a diagnosis .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.