Neuroplasticity
These self repairing capacities are known as neuroplasticity. The brain is so to speak in the process of repairing itself as a reaction to the supervened disturbances and errors originating from the early development of the brain. It then becomes the purpose of the intervention strategy to pursue the self repairing process further preferably to the optimal functional level.

A new definition of Cerebral Palsy could be phrased something like this:

Cerebral Palsy is derived from disturbances and errors in the early developmental processes of the brain occurring at a time when basic brain functions are not fully developed. The condition manifests itself as a result of the neuroplasticity of the brain - that is the self repairing powers and capacities of the brain. The symptoms entail specific individual affects of the global functional profile with the motor impairments as the principal diagnostic indicator.

Characterization
Cerebral Palsy is complex and declares itself with true individual traits. In the single case it is important to emphasize that the symptoms – both motor, cognitive and social - may cover the whole range from having insignificant influence on the life of the person to severe disability.

None the less some fundamental common features are seen regarding the functional profiles:

Characteristic motor symptoms often are:
Inability to control movements and/or balance
Affected speech, dysphagia etc.
Reduced body awareness
Poor or lowered motor coherence

Characteristic cognitive symptoms often are:
Reduced attention.
Poor ability in combining and structuring.
Difficulties in completing a task or a project.
Affected working memory.

Characteristic social symptoms often are:
Difficulties in teamwork and adaptation.
Lowered self control.
Inability to take initiative.
Increased tendency to isolation.

DEFINITION

Cerebral Palsy is the most common diagnosis of congenital brain damage. The prevalent and most common definition of Cerebral Palsy describes a condition primarily characterized by outer motor symptoms. This focusing on the motor apparatus has till now resulted in a situation where the most recommended and demanded intervention in Cerebral Palsy is physiotherapy.

The multifaceted range of symptoms may influence the overall living conditions. That applies both to the near family relations and to the child as an individual as well as to the out-turned interactive social perspective. Moreover cerebral palsy makes demands on health, education and social services. The life expectancy of children with cerebral palsy is increasing worldwide, even among children with a severe condition.

Paticipation and activity
Thus Cerebral Palsy is associated with life-long impact where need for appropriate services will continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Also young adults with Cerebral Palsy may face problems due to reduced contact with health services after leaving school. Likewise young adults with Cerebral Palsy often face considerably difficulties in integrating into society.

Research done by the Danish Register for Cerebral Palsy shows that within a population of 819 adults with Cerebral Palsy (born from 1966 - 1978) 29% are competitively employed and self-supporting at present.

Redefining Cerebral Palsy
There is every reason to redefine and develop the conception of Cerebral Palsy. It is necessary to describe and understand Cerebral Palsy both as an entity and at the same time as specific multifaceted functional impairments in order to enclose the many aspects of this condition.

The true core of Cerebral Palsy is the fact that the underlying brain damages involve and affect the global functional profile in the person - with completely individual traits.

New definition
Recent research suggests that the conception of Cerebral Palsy as a brain damage needs to be revaluated. In stead of viewing the condition as a damage it is probably more accurate to regard the symptoms as an expression of the stage to which the self repairing processes of the brain have succeeded.