Cerebral Palsy Say: seh-REE-brel PAWL-zee A condition that can make it hard to walk, talk, or eat. Cerebral palsy (or CP for short) affects the brain and how it communicates with the muscles. Kids with CP have trouble controlling how their muscles move, and some may need to use a wheelchair or crutches. Back to Articles Related Articles Wheelchairs Wheelchairs are a way for some people to be independent, despite illnesses or injuries. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Kids With Special Needs Lots of kids have special needs. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Your Brain & Nervous System Your brain is the boss of your body and runs the whole show. Learn more in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.