Often the exact cause of a child developing Cerebral Palsy is not known, but contributing factors can include infections such as meningitis, bleeding into the brain, pressure or blows to the head and lack of oxygen. These may have occurred before, during or after birth and the severity of the cause will affect the severity of the damage caused to the brain. For example, each minute that a baby is deprived of oxygen during a difficult delivery will increase the extent of brain damage caused.

Cerebral Palsy is classified into three main types; Spastic, Athetoid and Ataxic. Those with Spastic CP have muscles that are weak, tight or stiff making it difficult for the person to make controlled movements. Those with stiff or tight muscles will find it difficult to fully extend arms and legs, while those with weak muscles may be unable to stand unaided. Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all cerebral palsy cases.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia. These two areas of the brain work in opposition to create smooth, coordinated movements as well as maintaining body posture. Damage to one or both of these areas creates an imbalance that may cause a child to develop involuntary, uncoordinated movements, especially in the face, arms, and trunk. Secondary problems with eating, speaking, picking up objects may also result from the imbalance. Approximately 10% of those with Cerebral Palsy are Athetoid.