Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Function Classification System

Level I

Up until age two, your child will learn how to use both of his hands to play with objects to manipulate them. You child will be able to pull himself up, and he can walk at around 18 months. From ages two to four, your child will understand how to sit on the floor without the need for assistance. Typically, they will prefer walking to crawling because they will find this easier.

From four to six, your child will learn how to sit in a chair and learn how to do it without the need for assistance. Your child will run and walk without the need for help. At the age of six to 12, your child will run, jump and climb the stairs without assistance.

Level II

In level II, your child will sit on the floor, but he can only do this with adult assistance because the birth injury is more serious. From two to four, your child will understand how to use his hands to manipulate objects. Between ages four and six, he will sit in the chair without assistance. Between ages six to 12, your child can walk outdoors without the need for assistance.

Level III

Falling under the cerebral palsy gross motor function classification system, at level III, your child can roll and creep forward while on his stomach. In addition, from ages two to four, can sit on the floor without the need for you to support him. At the age of four to six, they will have the ability to lift themselves from the floor to the chair. From six to 12, your child will walk both indoors and outdoors. They may be able to climb the stairs without the need for adult assistance, but they will most likely need a mobility device when it comes to walking outdoors.

Level IV

Cerebral palsy begins to get more serious at level four. Up until age two, they will roll from the back to the stomach. From the ages of two until four, your child can sit up, but he will most likely need to use his hands. From four to six, your child will sit in a chair, but he will need trunk support. Between six to 12, your child will most likely keep the same mobility. However, your child will most likely need a walk-assisting device.

Level V

This is the cerebral palsy classification system for this birth disorder. With the most serious level, your child will have limited control over his voluntary movements. Your child will also need help with rolling over until age two. From two to four, your child will still have severe disability. It will be difficult to crawl or sit. From four to six, your child will have the ability to sit in a chair. Your child will still need transport because he doesn’t have dependent mobility. From the ages of six to 12, your child might have the ability to be mobile through an electric wheelchair, but it will still be limited.