First finding out

Community paediatricians are child health doctors trained in both hospital and community settings. They have experience of working with families and as part of a team, to assess children and coordinate services, for those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other special needs.

You may be referred to a community paediatrician if your child is not reaching their developmental milestones and your GP or Health Visitor thinks further investigation is required. The community paediatrician will coordinate your child’s care and may refer your child to other specialists for assessment and intervention.

A dietitian specialises in helping your child get the right food and nutrients for their particular needs. This can be challenging for some children with, or at risk of, cerebral palsy.

The first point of contact between you and other support services is likely to be your health visitor. A health visitor will usually visit you at home for the first time around 10 days after your baby is born. Until this time you'll be under the care of your local midwives. If your baby has been in the special care baby unit (SCBU) the health visitor will become involved when your baby comes home, or a specialist health visitor may visit you on the SCBU. Health visitors are usually attached to your local GP Practice.

Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors specialising in bones, joints and muscles. Some children with cerebral palsy may develop difficulties with these as a secondary effect of their cerebral palsy and therefore be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. Orthopaedic surgeons are involved in monitoring bones, joints and muscles as well as surgical treatment, so seeing one does not necessarily mean your child will need an operation.

Orthotists are specialists in orthoses (often referred to as splints) which are devices that will support, correct or attempt to correct, the alignment of joints, to improve function and/or to reduce deformities or pain. Orthoses include insoles, specialist footwear, splints and supportive garments.

Orthotists assess your child’s needs then measure, design, fit, adjust and service the orthosis. It is important to have any orthosis re-evaluated regularly to make sure it still fits, is making a positive difference to your child and remains comfortable.

Paediatricians are hospital-based doctors specialising in the care of children. You may meet a paediatrician in the hospital if your baby is born unwell, prematurely or develops difficulties.

Paediatric neurologists are doctors specialising in disorders affecting the brain and the nervous system. Not every child who has cerebral palsy will be seen by a neurologist, but many will be. Paediatric neurologists can be involved in diagnosing cerebral palsy, ruling out other conditions or advising on management of your child's condition.

Paediatric occupational therapists apply specialist approaches and techniques to maximise a child's engagement, achievement and independence in all activities, including those at school, play, leisure and self-care skills such as dressing and feeding.

Paediatric physiotherapists use specialist knowledge of movement and child development to help children achieve their optimal physical development, so they can play, learn, have fun, and join in with friends and family life. The paediatric physiotherapist will also consider the long term impact of how your child is moving.

Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists’ roles often overlap and they often work together on some goals.

Speech and Language Therapists are specialists in communication (not just speech) and eating and drinking and they help children develop these skills as effectively and safely as possible. As these are specialist areas, in Wales your child may see one SLT for help with eating and drinking and another for help with communication.