What type of developmental disorder is cerebral palsy classified as?

Cerebral palsy is classified as a neurological disorder because it results from a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system that affects movement and coordination. It is a condition that stems from brain injury or abnormal brain development, often occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The main characteristics of cerebral palsy include difficulty with muscle control and coordination, which directly reflects its neurological basis.

In contrast, intellectual disabilities primarily involve limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, with little to do with movement issues. Behavioral disorders focus on patterns of behavior that are disruptive or problematic, rather than on the physical aspects that characterize cerebral palsy. Sensory processing disorders involve difficulties in processing sensory information, which, while they can coexist with cerebral palsy, do not define the motor and neurological challenges associated with it. Therefore, classifying cerebral palsy as a neurological disorder accurately reflects its origins and primary symptoms.