American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) is an Academy of over 1,100 health professionals dedicated to providing multidisciplinary scientific education and promoting excellence in research and services for the benefit of people with and at risk for cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. AACPDM is like no other professional society! The “teamwork” mindset of our members solidifies a worldwide network that provides the most effective outcomes for patients. We are pediatricians, neurologists, surgeons, rehabilitators, therapists, nurses, special educators, engineers, and scientists. Learn more about our Academy below. VISION AACPDM is a global leader in the multidisciplinary scientific education of health professionals and researchers dedicated to the well being of people with and at risk for cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. MISSION To provide multidisciplinary scientific education for health professionals and promote excellence in research and services for the benefit of people with and at risk for cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. HISTORY 60 Years of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine The rehabilitation movement that emerged as a result of casualty management in World War II had a direct bearing on professional interest and organization of care for children with cerebral palsy. Prior to the 1940s there was little organized interest in CP care with a few exceptions such as the multi-disciplinary clinic at Children's Hospital in Boston under the neurologist Bronson Crothers, and the rehabilitation center in Reisterstown Maryland organized by orthopedist Winthrop Phelps. By 1946 the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults (Easter Seal Society) began a campaign to improve care for children with cerebral palsy and set up a CP Advisory Medical Council comprised of six professionals with an active interest in the field.