Enough time should be given for parents to absorb the information and to clarify their immediate questions and concerns. A follow up visit planned within next few days is helpful for parents to return with their questions after having understood and thought about the problem.

What follows will be generally be a comprehensive assessment of the child with C.P. It is essential to plan appropriate treatment. Because of the multiplicity of problems, a multidisciplinary team comprising of a neuro-developmental pediatrician as the team-leader, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, clinical psychologist, speech pathologist, orthopedic surgeon, otorhinolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, teacher, play therapist and social worker is required, preferably under one roof. Ideally all children with CP must have evaluation of their motor, sensory and cognitive functions. Hearing and speech disorders, visual problems and behavior problems should be routinely looked for. In addition other problems like feeding and nutrition, mobility etc. must also be given due importance. The pediatrician along with the physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists will often work very closely together to devise a treatment program that will meet the needs of both the child and the family. The team will follow the progress of the child.

The main aim is to assess the functional capacity of the child in various areas and to plan measures to improve it. Functionally oriented treatment goals tailored to the needs of the individual child should be planned. Establishing the current functioning level, assessing specific physical limitations that may interfere with the attainment of certain goals, age of the child and functionality of skills are the important decision making points. Short- term measurable treatment objectives should be developed to reach overall global long term treatment goals.