New App Makes Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy in Infants Easier and Faster
Cerebral palsy can often be detected earlier than many families realize. Right now, it can take years for children to receive a formal diagnosis. Many new parents already have a lot on their plates, and scheduling visits with specialists can mean taking time off work, traveling long distances, and navigating complex health care systems.
A groundbreaking development from the University of Melbourne is set to transform how cerebral palsy is diagnosed in infants. The newly launched app aims to make early screening more accessible, enabling timely interventions that can significantly improve a child's development.
Researchers say the app could help with diagnosing cerebral palsy up to 1.5 years earlier than the current average, allowing families to begin treatment much sooner.
The new app provides a simpler and quicker way for families to get preliminary screenings. Parents can record short videos of their child’s movements at home and share them with trained clinicians for review.
By making early screening easier, the app helps families act quickly — not just for their child’s therapy needs, but also to preserve potential legal rights and ensure they don’t miss out on compensation when medical mistakes caused the condition.
How to Diagnose Cerebral Palsy in Newborns With Baby Moves VIEW
The Baby Moves VIEW app is designed to make early cerebral palsy screening more accessible for families and medical providers. It allows parents to record short videos of their child’s movements at home, which can then be securely shared with trained clinicians for review.
By observing patterns in the child’s motor skills, clinicians can identify early signs of cerebral palsy that might otherwise go unnoticed until later developmental stages. This can be especially helpful for families who live far from pediatric specialists or have difficulty attending frequent in-person appointments.
Here’s how the app works step by step:
- Record movements: Parents capture short videos of their child performing everyday actions, like reaching, rolling, or crawling.
- Upload securely: Videos are uploaded through the app to a secure platform for clinician review.
- Clinician analysis: Trained specialists review the footage, looking for early indicators of cerebral palsy.
- Preliminary screening report: The clinician provides feedback on whether further evaluation is recommended.
- Follow-up guidance: If potential concerns are flagged, families are advised on next steps, including in-person assessments or early intervention services.
“Early diagnosis means earlier access to interventions which can reduce the severity of the disorder and improve the baby’s long-term health outcomes. It’s crucial for a baby with cerebral palsy to begin treatment as early as possible as it allows therapists to harness their neuroplastic brains and re-wire neural pathways.”
– Dr. Amanda Kwong, Baby New Views App Co-Founder
While the app doesn’t replace a formal diagnosis, it provides a practical way for families to detect possible signs of cerebral palsy early, which can lead to timely medical interventions and better outcomes.
When Can Your Child Get a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis?
In the United States, the average age for a cerebral palsy diagnosis is typically between 12 and 24 months, according to the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. However, this can vary depending on the severity of symptoms.
Milder cases may not be diagnosed until a child is older, sometimes even reaching preschool age, as developmental delays become more noticeable.
"Some other children might not know right away because the birth itself seemed to go well. Then they don't get diagnosed with cerebral palsy until later because they're not walking, they're not talking, or they're falling and tripping."
— Andi Lowe, Doctor of Nursing Practice
On-Staff Nurse, Labor & Delivery and NICU Specialist
According to the University of Melbourne article, the app is designed to identify early signs of cerebral palsy in infants as young as 3 to 5 months old.
By spotting potential signs much earlier, the app gives families a head start on physical therapy and other types of early intervention. It also gives them more time to prepare their home and adjust to what this new life may involve.
Why It's Important to Get a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis ASAP
This app represents a significant advancement in pediatric health care, combining technology with clinical expertise to address a critical need. Facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnoses of cerebral palsy paves the way for better support and outcomes for affected children and their families.
Early diagnosis matters for therapy and long-term developmental outcomes. It can also affect your legal rights. Due to strict legal deadlines, delays in diagnosis can put families at risk of losing millions of dollars in potential compensation.
Cerebral palsy settlements can average more than $2.5 million, helping families cover lifelong care and therapy costs.
Beyond individual benefits, this innovation has the potential to reduce health care costs by enabling earlier detection and intervention, reducing the need for more intensive care.
Get Help Pursuing Cerebral Palsy Compensation
At Cerebral Palsy Guide, we partner with top cerebral palsy lawyers who can help families across the country determine their legal options and pursue compensation to support their child's health, well-being, and future.
Your lawyers will handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on your family. There are no costs to file a claim, and your legal team's payment comes from whatever they secure for you.
Get a free case review now. It costs nothing to learn more about your options, and there's no obligation.
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
