Cerebral Palsy Early Diagnosis

We provide assessments and examinations for early diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.

About

Who are we?

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

What do we do?

We:

serve infants with high probability of cerebral palsy in BC
conduct assessments and examinations for early diagnosis, and make referrals for intervention

How do we book your appointment?

After we receive your referral, the appointment booking team will call you by phone. 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 and neurological examinations for your child, and assess their movements. Also, a therapist may perform additional assessments for your child’s motor function.
A Short Break (15 minutes)
Family Conference (30 minutes)
We will give you an assessment summary sheet, discuss our findings and plan the next step with you. If necessary, we will give you referrals to other resources.
If required, we will book a follow-up appointment.

Family Support

Family gathering space at Sunny Hill Health Centre

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.

Sibling Support Centre at BC Children's Hospital

The Sibling Support Centre is available for siblings who must be on campus while their brother or sister is in care or receiving care. A first-come, first served booking is required.
Please call 604-875-3594 or book online.

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 Library

The Family Library is a resource centre 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