Institute for Child Development

Cerebral Palsy Genetic Research
In some instances, genetic defects are responsible for a child developing cerebral palsy. Scientists are attempting to identify how genetic factors may do this by collecting DNA samples from those with the condition and their family members.
Sophisticated screening techniques are used to evaluate the collected samples. Scientists can then search for links that might explain how cerebral palsy develops in individuals with specific genetic abnormalities.
A study from 2022 found that as many as 25% of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy had an underlying genetic condition or mutations. This kind of information will lead to better, more accurate diagnoses of CP and more tailored and effective treatments.[4]
White Matter Damage Research
Cerebral palsy is most commonly caused by damage to the white matter in the brain, specifically in the area surrounding the ventricles. This part of the brain is most commonly affected in children with cerebral palsy.
Researchers are working to develop effective strategies to prevent white matter brain damage. They are currently using mouse models and cell-based therapies to prevent the perinatal white matter damage that causes cerebral palsy.
One encouraging area of study is the use of therapeutic hypothermia to limit brain damage and its effects. The therapy involves lowering an infant’s core temperature. This seems to slow damage, and initial research indicates it can reduce disability in children at risk.

Eye-tracking measures could help make the right autism diagnosis sooner Researchers investigated the reliability of eye-tracking biological markers in distinguishing autistic children from non-autistic ones during clinical evaluations in community-based settings.

Passive video use among toddlers can negatively affect language development A new study from SMU psychologist Sarah Kucker and colleagues reveals that passive video use among toddlers can negatively affect language development, but their caregiver's motivations for exposing them to digital media could also lessen the impact.