The Hidden Costs of Raising a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Raising a child with cerebral palsy is an act of love that comes with unique challenges most families are never prepared for. Beyond the day-to-day care, therapies, and doctor visits, the financial and emotional strain can weigh heavily on parents.
A new study out of Spain sheds light on just how profound these hidden costs are. Researchers found that the largest share of expenses doesn’t come from medical bills, but from the loss of income when parents reduce or leave work to become full-time caregivers.
On average, caregiving alone accounted for nearly 60% of the overall costs, while therapies, special education, and out-of-pocket treatments added thousands more each year.
For families, these numbers represent missed career opportunities, financial stress, and the constant juggling of resources to provide the best possible care for their child. Parents carry these hidden costs every day — but we may be able to make the road ahead easier for some families.
About the Cost of Cerebral Palsy Study
This Frontiers in Public Health study offers one of the clearest pictures yet of the economic and social toll of pediatric cerebral palsy. Researchers followed 148 children with CP and their caregivers, carefully tracking medical expenses, special education needs, and the time and income families sacrificed to provide care.
Their findings show that the financial strain extends well beyond clinics and hospitals, touching nearly every part of family life.
Here are some of the study’s key findings:
- Average yearly cost per child: About 102,135 euros or $119,000
- Caregiver productivity losses: The largest factor, making up nearly 60% of the total cost
- Special education: Accounted for about 9% of costs, reflecting the need for additional learning support
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Families spent thousands on complementary and alternative therapies, with 64% reporting regular use
- Medical costs: Made up only about 4% of total expenses, much lower than many families anticipate
- Severity matters: Children with more serious motor impairments needed nearly double the overall cost of care compared to those with milder forms
By scaling their findings to the national level, the researchers estimated that Spain faces an annual societal cost of more than 1.5 billion euros or $1.75 billion in American dollars related to pediatric cerebral palsy.
These numbers underscore what families experience firsthand — that the hidden costs are not small, and that caregiver time and support play a far bigger role than medical bills alone.
What Does This Mean for Families
For families raising children with cerebral palsy, this study highlights both the challenges and the areas where support is most needed. It shows that the impact goes far beyond medical care, touching everyday life, finances, and long-term planning.
Parents and caregivers may find that:
- Caregiving time is a major cost: Parents often reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely, which can create significant financial strain.
- Medical bills are only a small part of the total cost: Most expenses come from therapies, special education, and daily caregiving needs.
- Out-of-pocket expenses add up: Many families spend extra on complementary therapies or equipment not covered by insurance.
- Support systems matter: Access to respite care and financial assistance can make a real difference in reducing stress and economic strain.
- Planning ahead is key: Understanding these hidden costs can help families budget, advocate for resources, and seek community support early.
This research essentially validates what parents often experience firsthand: Raising a child with CP requires not just medical care, but ongoing financial, emotional, and day-to-day support.
Get Help With the Costs of Cerebral Palsy
If your child has cerebral palsy, it may be due to medical malpractice during the labor process. Even if you're unsure as to the cause, our team of registered nurses can help you understand what may have happened.
Birth injuries refer to when a medical professional, usually a doctor, makes a mistake shortly before, during, or after delivery, and that mistake causes an injury to the child. It can be something small, like delaying critical medical care or missing certain warning signs.
While these types of mistakes are accidental, the results are often permanent for affected families — and the costs can be insurmountable. However, compensation from a birth injury lawsuit has allowed many families to ease this burden.
"On average, we secure around $2.5 million for clients affected by cerebral palsy — payouts that reflect the serious and ongoing care children with conditions like cerebral palsy often need."
— Ricky LeBlanc, Birth Injury Attorney
Get a free case review now to find out if you may qualify for compensation.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
