Cerebral Palsy Program

The Yale Cerebral Palsy Program is a multi-disciplinary program that provides 360-degree care for patients with cerebral palsy (CP), youth-onset brain injury, or any other neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. The goals of the program are to maximize the physical and psychosocial functions of its patients, and to enable and empower their successful integration into the world.

Musculoskeletal problems experienced by these patients are complex, impacting the musculoskeletal, psychosocial, and developmental aspects of their lives. Our multidisciplinary team is highly specialized and able to help patients across their “lifespan” – from the pediatric ages of newborn to 17, and then those 18 and older who are considered adult.

The transition from childhood to adult care is challenging for patients and parents alike, with few centers in the United States focused on this level of care. Our research-based approach strives to connect patients with the latest treatments and maximize their function.

Our mission is to provide better and safer care for a complex population of people, to empower patients and their caregivers to achieve their highest quality of life, and to share the program’s experiences and findings with the medical community at large.

The multi-disciplinary YCPLP offers a variety of educational opportunities across many fields of medical and nursing practice. Trainees in disciplines that involve the care of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders are welcome to participate in the unique services offered by the program. Our research focuses on improving quality of life and functional outcomes for all cerebral palsy patients from childhood and well into adulthood. We also investigate non-surgical and surgical treatments, mental health, public health, and health economics disciplines that can be adjusted to improve our patients' lives.

Yale is a designated institution participating in Cerebral Palsy Research Network.

Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to cerebral palsy care through our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists. Our core team designs treatment plans that enhance our patients' quality of life by making options and care as accessible as possible through our specialists.