Cerebral palsy is often classified as mild, moderate, severe, or no CP. These classifications are very general and are not based on any specific criteria. Therefore, different doctors or professionals may differ on their classification of a child as mild vs moderate as an example. It’s because of this that BRIGHT recommends more Repeatable and Reproducible (lower Gauge R&R) classification methods such as the GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System). However, the broad classification of mild, moderate and Sever will likely be continued to be used based on simplicity and it can be useful when an accurate classification is not critical.

Mild – Mild cerebral palsy means a child can move without assistance; his or her daily activities are not limited.
Moderate – Moderate cerebral palsy means a child will need braces, medications, and adaptive technology to accomplish daily activities.
Severe – Severe cerebral palsy means a child will require a wheelchair and will have significant challenges in accomplishing daily activities.
No CP – No CP means the child has cerebral palsy signs, but the impairment was acquired after completion of brain development and is therefore classified under the incident that caused the cerebral palsy, such as traumatic brain injury or encephalopathy.