What assessment tool is commonly used to diagnose CP?

The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is widely recognized as an effective assessment tool for diagnosing and classifying the severity of cerebral palsy (CP) in children. It provides a framework for understanding the impact of CP on a child’s mobility and gross motor skills. The GMFCS categorizes children's gross motor function into five distinct levels, which helps clinicians and caregivers predict the level of motor independence and necessary interventions.

By using the GMFCS, practitioners can gauge not only the current functioning of a child but also how their abilities may progress over time. This classification is essential for treatment planning, setting realistic goals, and facilitating communication among healthcare providers, families, and educational professionals regarding the child’s capabilities and challenges.

Other assessment tools listed, while valuable in their respective contexts, do not specifically focus on diagnosing or classifying cerebral palsy. The Childhood Development Checklist primarily assesses developmental milestones, the Cerebral Function Meter evaluates overall brain function, and the Visual Motor Integration Assessment targets coordination between visual perception and motor skills. None of these tools offer the targeted classification necessary for effectively understanding and treating CP.