Cerebral Palsy Research Network - CPRN

08/23/2026

Cerebral palsy is only one part of a person’s health.

People with CP can experience health conditions that are unrelated to their CP diagnosis. When new symptoms arise, it’s important that they aren’t automatically attributed to CP—because they may signal a separate condition that deserves its own attention, evaluation, and care/treatment.

Awareness matters. Not every symptom is a CP symptom!

08/21/2026

Introducing Patrick’s Corner - a new series dedicated to sharing updates in our network research, resources, and conversations that support our CP community

✨ New topics. Helpful insights. Meaningful conversations about all things research.

👉 Swipe to get started, and tell us what you’d like to see featured in future posts.

08/12/2026

New research from the CP Research Network is here! 💡

Our 28th publication explores what high-quality cerebral palsy care looks like across leading CP programs and opportunities to strengthen care for the CP community.

🔗 Read more here: https://cprn.org/what-does-great-cp-care-look-like-a-new-study-maps-the-building-blocks/

07/26/2026

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, and it was passed with bipartisan support. This Act inspired other nations to pass their own civil rights laws for people with disabilities.

During a time in our nation's history when the rights, services, and support for people with disabilities are being called into question, disregarded, and in some cases, dismantled, we must share our stories and concerns with people who WILL listen (and we are seeing some wins!).

Check out this woman's story from North Carolina. She is a business owner and relies on services and programs that allow her to live in her community and participate in society. At the last moment, NC had a win for home and community-based services:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17Hqnryr8p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, President George Bush stated, "Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'Independence Day,' one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom."

ID: A graphic from CP Research Network commemorating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), featuring the message "Disability Rights are Civil Rights." A collage of photos highlights children and adults with cerebral palsy enjoying recreation, sports, travel, and everyday life, celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and the impact of the ADA.

07/23/2026

⚽ Representation Matters.

Fifteen-year-old Camilo Smith, who has cerebral palsy, recently stepped onto the field as a FIFA World Cup flag bearer, an experience he described as both emotional and an honor. Diagnosed with CP at age 1, Camilo has spent years in physical therapy and now hopes to encourage others with disabilities to pursue their goals.

Whether it's sports, school, the arts, or a dream that's uniquely your own, every accomplishment can serve to fulfill you and demonstrate new possibilities to other people with disabilities.

Read more about Camilo's journey:

Some area teens earned this opportunity for leadership accolades, others for fighting chronic illness. A few even won contests. Meet four Houston teens bearing flags at Texas World Cup games.

07/08/2026

CP Daily Living Tip-Bathroom Matters

Portable bidets can help improve hygiene, increase independence, and provide added comfort at home and on the go.

Many of these products are lightweight and modestly priced compared to other daily living items and come in manual and battery-powered options. Whether you have a care partner or you are a parent or individual with CP, a portable bidet can be a handy tool. There are also many models of bidets now, including some that can be installed at home. If you are interested in one for home, consider compatibility and safety when installing a product that will be used alongside another toileting support device.

Do you have any CP Daily Living tips you would like to share? Send us a message, and you may see your tip shared on our page! This one came from our parent co-founder, Michele.

ID: A green infographic from the Cerebral Palsy Research Network titled "Daily Living Bathroom Tip: Pack a Portable Bidet." The graphic features two rechargeable portable bidets and a USB charging cable. Surrounding the images are highlighted benefits that read: Lightweight, Easy to pack, Help improve hygiene, Can make bathroom visits a little easier, Increase independence, and Provide added comfort. The Cerebral Palsy Research Network logo appears at the bottom of the graphic.

07/07/2026

🏆 Our Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) study selected as "Editor's Choice" by the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS)! The link to the article is just below.

This study about different (SDR) techniques in CP has been selected by the Editor for its importance, impact, and contribution to neurosurgical knowledge.

SDR is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures (meaning related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system) used to reduce spasticity, the most common movement disorder in CP.

Our community and our clinician researchers have wanted to know more details about:

1. Who makes the best candidates for this procedure, and why?
2. What kinds of goals can the procedure potentially help someone achieve?
3. Which technique leads to the best outcomes/results?

This published study began with studying data about people in the CP Research Network registry who have had rhizotomy surgeries. What they discovered about the different techniques being used moves us toward understanding which rhizotomy techniques work best, for which groups of people, and for their stated goals. This information will help people with CP, their families, and their medical providers when discussing potential treatments.

You can read the Editor's Choice article here: https://thejns.org/pediatrics/view/journals/j-neurosurg-pediatr/37/6/article-p565.xml

To learn more about the Network's efforts related to SDR, check out last year's webinar discussing this research presented by the study leader Dr. Brandon Roque https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUGyRbCacbQ&t=5s and visit our website to check out more of our SDR webinars and blog posts at cprn.org.

07/06/2026

☀️ Having trouble figuring out how to spend your summer or just looking for new ideas?

This great article from AmeriDisability shares inclusive summer activity ideas for kids, adults, and seniors with disabilities—from adaptive water sports and accessible parks to sensory-friendly events and outdoor adventures.

Check out their helpful resources and directories along with some practical tips for summer planning:
https://www.ameridisability.com/accessible-summer-activities-for-kids-adults-and-seniors-with-disabilities/

07/04/2026

🎆 Happy 4th of July! Wishing you a festive Independence Day!

07/03/2026

💚 Your voice can help shape the future of cerebral palsy research.

Dr. Kevin Mintz, a Stanford University researcher who also has cerebral palsy, needs more parents for his study about community perspectives on genetics in CP research. His work combines both lived experience and expertise in disability bioethics, genetics, genomics, and emerging medical technologies.

His study team is looking to hear from:
• Parents and caregivers-still needing lots of parents!
• Healthcare providers
• Researchers involved in CP genetics research

Adults with CP-Nice work! Many of you have reached out to Dr. Mintz already!
🖥️ Participation involves a 1 to 2 hour Zoom interview.

📧 For more details please contact: [email protected]

Your experiences and perspectives are vital to us and inform current and future research directions.