What is a significant behavioral red flag for cerebral palsy?

A significant behavioral red flag for cerebral palsy is having a definite hand preference before the age of one. This serves as an important indicator because infants typically demonstrate a mix of hand use during their early months, usually favoring one hand by around 12 months. If a baby consistently uses one hand over the other before this time, it may suggest asymmetrical development or motor issues that are characteristic of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture due to abnormal brain development, often before or during birth. In the context of this condition, early hand preference can indicate neurological impairment that may affect motor skills and coordination. The development of gross motor skills, such as sitting, crawling, and walking, can also be affected by cerebral palsy, which is why monitoring hand use is crucial in assessing potential motor delays.

Other developmental indicators, like speech delays or absent social smiles, can be influenced by a variety of factors and are not specific to cerebral palsy. While difficulties with walking are also a common symptom of cerebral palsy, establishing a definitive hand preference early is a clearer and more distinct behavioral red flag.