What Is a Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Assessment?
A comprehensive cerebral palsy (CP) assessment at VPARC is a structured, multi-domain clinical evaluation — not a single test, but a set of validated clinical scales combined into one documented functional baseline. It gives parents and referring doctors an objective picture of a child's gross motor function, hand ability, communication function, and muscle tone, all in one report.
Assessment Domains Covered at VPARC
GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) — classifies gross motor function on a 5-level scale (I–V), describing self-initiated movement with emphasis on sitting, walking and wheeled mobility.
MACS (Manual Ability Classification System) — classifies how a child uses both hands together to handle objects in daily activities.
CFCS (Communication Function Classification System) — classifies a child's everyday communication performance as both sender and receiver of messages.
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) — grades spasticity and muscle tone (0 to 4) across the key muscle groups affected by CP.
These are supplemented with manual muscle testing and joint range-of-motion measurement, giving a complete functional and musculoskeletal picture in a single visit.
Why This Assessment Matters
Cerebral palsy presents differently in every child, and management decisions — therapy intensity, orthotic needs, surgical referral, school support planning — are all better informed by objective, scale-based documentation rather than general impression. A baseline assessment also allows progress to be tracked accurately at follow-up visits, showing exactly what has improved and what still needs focused work.
Who Should Book This Assessment
This assessment is recommended for children newly diagnosed with cerebral palsy, children due for periodic re-evaluation as they grow, and parents seeking an objective functional baseline before starting or changing a therapy programme.
How Assessment Results Are Used
Cerebral palsy affects every child differently, so findings are turned into a plan built around your child’s abilities and your family’s priorities. The results help set realistic goals, guide therapy, show where equipment or home changes may help, and give a baseline against which progress can be measured.
Preparing for the Visit
- Bring earlier medical reports, scans, and notes from other therapists
- Note any worries about feeding, sleep, movement, speech or behaviour
- Bring a list of current medicines
- Dress your child in comfortable clothes that allow free movement
- Bring a favourite toy or snack to help your child settle
Setting Goals With Your Family
- Everyday goals first: sitting, moving, feeding, dressing, play and school participation
- A small number of clear targets rather than a long list
- Home activities that fit naturally into your routine