Cerebral Palsy Early Diagnosis

We provide examinations and assessments for the early detection and diagnosis of cerebral palsy in infants.

About

Who are we?

Our team includes developmental pediatricians, a nurse clinician, an occupational therapist and social worker (determined on a case-by-case basis).

What do we do?

We:

serve infants with a high risk of cerebral palsy
conduct assessments and examinations for early detection, diagnosis , and make referrals for intervention

Currently, we only accept referrals from the BC Women's Hospital Neonatal Follow-up Program, BC Children's Hopsital Neurology and Royal Columbian Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

How do we book your appointment?

After we receive the referral from the physician, the booking clerk will call you to schedule appointment. Please let the booking clerk know if you need an interpreter, accommodations the night before and the night of your appointment, and considerations around legal guardianship or transportation.

Prepare

On the appointment day

Please dress your child in a shirt and pants (not onesie) for the appointment.

Below is a checklist of helpful items to bring with you:

Your child’s BC Services Card
Your appointment letter
A list of any medications and the doses that your child is taking
Equipment your child is using (i.e. hearing aids, glasses, braces/orthoses, or feeding equipment etc.)
Any questions you have for us about your child
A meal/snack (We offer free snacks, coffee and water in the waiting area)
Anything that will put your child at ease (Food, baby formula and water, their favourite toy, a blanket, etc.)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time and check in with our receptionist at the main entrance of Sunny Hill.

What happens during the appointment ?

Conversation, Examination & Motor Function Assessment (60-75 minutes)
You and your infant will meet a physician and a nurse. We will ask you questions about your infant and perform physical examinations for your child’s muscle strength and movements. Also, our occupational therapist will perform an assessment for your child’s motor functions.
A Short Break (15 minutes)
Family Conference (30 minutes)
An assessment summary will be provided. The clinicial team will discuss our findings and plan the next step with you. If necessary, we will make a referral to other resources. We will book a follow-up appointment in 4–6 months.

Our family gathering space has lounges, dining area, child play space and outdoor garden where you can spend your break time to rest, eat or feed your infant.

Resources

Download our Guide to Cerebral Palsy

The Guide to Cerebral Palsy is a family-centred handbook written for parents and caregivers who have received a recent diagnosis of cerebral palsy for their child. A copy will be given to families during the appointment when appropriate.

Learn more about cerebral palsy in the Coping & Support section.

Family Support and Resource Centre

The Family Support and Resource Centre (FSRC) is a library that empowers patients, families, supporters, and community members with health information. People in BC and the Yukon can borrow from our collection for free. Search the online library catalogue or email for help at fsrc@cw.bc.ca to find what you need.

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

The Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia is a non-profit organization in BC. Their vision is to create a Life Without Limits for people with disabilities. Visit their website for information on education, programs, services, and other resources supporting people living with cerebral palsy and their families.

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Provincial Health Services Authority