Emerging applications of artificial intelligence for early diagnosis and assessments for people with cerebral palsy

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to rapidly transform healthcare, but as of 2026, the direct implications for clinical care supporting individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) are unclear. In this narrative review, several publications were identified evaluating AI-based tools to aid in early diagnosis of CP or in functional assessment of individuals with CP. As of the time of writing, one application (a computer-adapted version of the Gross Motor Function Measure developed using AI) has been prospectively validated. Many additional clinical applications had Oxford Centre Level 2b Evidence (exploratory diagnostic studies), employing cross-validation using existing data sets to demonstrate plausibility without prospectively evaluating performance within intended contexts of use. Based on this review, we summarize recurring challenges and review potential barriers to implementation including scientific, regulatory, and ethical considerations. We anticipate that the performance of AI-based tools will continue to evolve after regulatory approval, requiring ongoing vigilance for clinicians who employ AI-based tools. We believe that meaningfully including people with lived experience throughout the research lifecycle is critical for ensuring that AI-based tools are developed in a responsible and patient-centered fashion while augmenting, not replacing, clinicians' ability to provide high-quality care.