The book has been designed to provide readers with an understanding of cerebral palsy (CP) as a developmental as well as a neurological condition. It details the nature of CP, its causes and its clinical manifestations. Using clear, accessible language (supported by an extensive glossary) the authors have blended current science with metaphor both to explain the biomedical underpinnings of CP and to share their awareness that there is much that can be done to promote child and family development, enhance the capabilities of young people with CP, empower their families, and chart a course into adulthood.

The authors have reviewed classification and have emphasised the wide range of functional impairments that are seen in both children and adults with cerebral palsy. In doing so they have used the ICF framework and have described the range of interventions that may be applicable to people with cerebral palsy whilst emphasising that the condition is lifelong and that promotion of adaptation is a key component to understanding its nature and effects.

Peter Rosenbaum is a Professor of Paediatrics at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada, where he holds a Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disability, Mentoring and Dissemination. He is co-founder of the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research.