The mother of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) asks the nurse if her child's impaired movements will worsen as the child grows. Which response provides the best explanation?

A. Severe motor dysfunction determines the extent of successful habilitation: While the degree of motor dysfunction affects the level of independence, it does not directly answer the mother’s concern about progression of the disorder itself. B. CP is one of the most common permanent physical disability in children: This provides general information about the prevalence of CP but does not address the specific question regarding the progression of impaired movements. C. Continued development of the brain lesion determines the child's outcome: The brain lesion in CP is static and does not continue to develop, meaning that brain injury itself does not worsen over time, although functional challenges may evolve. D. Brain damage with CP is not progressive but does have a variable course: This accurately explains that CP results from a non-progressive brain injury; however, symptoms and physical manifestations can change as the child grows and develops.