The coordination of manipulatory forces during prehension was studied in 12 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and compared with that of controls. The results indicated that coupling of grip force and load force does not develop in children with CP. These children's force development increased in stages, with an early onset of excessive grip force. They did not use anticipatory control of the isometric force development during the load phase. Prolonged delays between successive phases indicated inefficient sensory feedback during the movement. The early onset of grip force and the over-all high force employment may compensate for the lack of anticipatory control and inefficient sensorimotor integration.