Every year, March is dedicated to spreading awareness about cerebral palsy. Take a look at the infographic below for an overview of the facts and figures.
1
in
345
Children in the U.S. has Cerebral Palsy
Approximately 764,000 children and adults in the United States live with one or more symptoms of cerebral palsy — making it the most prevalent childhood physical disability.
Prevalence & Diagnosis
17M
People with CP worldwide
350M affected including families
2–3
per 1,000 live births globally
Prevalence rate worldwide
10K
New cases diagnosed each year in the U.S.
Plus 1,200–1,500 pre-school age children
35%
More common in premature babies
Born before 37 weeks gestation
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP
80%
Dyskinetic CP
6%
Ataxic CP
6%
Mixed Type
8%
58%
Can walk independently
More than half of people with CP can walk without assistance. About 11% use hand-held mobility devices, and 31% use a wheelchair.
1 in 2
Experience intellectual disability
Roughly 50% of children with CP have an associated intellectual disability. CP affects each person differently — many have typical or above-average intelligence.
Common Co-occurring Conditions
Causes & Risk Factors
Additional Resources
Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Exploring the Five Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy / Spastic Hemiplegia
- Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy
- Dyskinetic (Athetoid) Cerebral Palsy
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
More Information
- Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
- Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
- What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
- Cerebral Palsy vs Muscular Dystrophy
- Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic?
- Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Cognition?
- When is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
- Can Cerebral Palsy Be Detected Before Birth?
- Is There a Cure for Cerebral Palsy?
Legal & Financial
- Overview: Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits
- When to Hire a Cerebral Palsy Attorney
- What Are the Lifetime Costs of Cerebral Palsy?
- Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits & Settlements