Cerebral Palsy

Why study cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in children. More than 46,000 people in Ontario have CP.

It is caused by an injury to the developing brain that can occur in the womb, during the birth of the baby, or in the first couple of years after birth. The visible evidence of CP is the ‘motor disabilities’ – challenges in how a person develops and maintains control of their movement. Children with CP may also have other challenges, including seizures and problems with thinking, communicating, seeing, hearing and behaviour. The impacts on individuals and their families can be devastating.

CP-NET: The Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network

The Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET) aims to transform the lives of individuals with or at risk for cerebral palsy. This collaboration is allowing us to better understand the mysteries around CP including the causes of CP, how we might be able to prevent it, and how we can improve rehabilitation treatments for children with CP.

CP-NET is advancing the role of genomics risk factors for cerebral palsy while leading quality improvements in care and improved rehabilitation through neurotechnology. CP-NET is expanding its focus across the lifespan with the addition of an adult cohort.
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CP-NET: The Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network

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Groundbreaking research on wellbeing in young people with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is typically considered as a childhood disorder. But children living with cerebral palsy – or CP – eventually grow up and face additional challenges throughout their young adulthood and beyond. The Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET) is leading research into what specifically these challenges are, as well as how to mitigate them for those living with cerebral palsy.

Discovering the Ability in Disability Through the Power of Words

For youth living with cerebral palsy, F-words don’t fill up the swear jar—they fill life with hope, positivity, and unlimited opportunity.

More than 46,000 people in Ontario live with cerebral palsy (CP). CP is the most common childhood-onset physical disability.

With a focus on knowledge translation and bringing care from lab to life, OBI is delivering on its commitment to improve quality of life for people living with brain disorders. OBI’s research program in cerebral palsy - The Childhood Cerebral Palsy Discovery Network (CP-NET) - partnered with CanChild to help develop and disseminate a new video resource for the community about the “F-words”.

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The Impact of Our Work

Groundbreaking research on wellbeing in young people with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is typically considered as a childhood disorder. But children living with cerebral palsy – or CP – eventually grow up and face additional challenges throughout their young adulthood and beyond. The Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET) is leading research into what specifically these challenges are, as well as how to mitigate them for those living with cerebral palsy.