Adolescents with cerebral palsy on the road to adulthood

Abstract

Transition to adulthood is for adolescents with cerebral palsy even more challenging than for their abled peers. Empowering them gradually as soon as possible by involving them in decisions for issues that affect them, will give them self-esteem and will help them in their evolution to maximal autonomy.  It’s important to refer children with medical comorbidities in time to adult subspecialists and the general practitioner should be involved to keep an overview.  Adolescents with cerebral palsy encounter quite a few obstacles on the way to participation.  A counsellor that is familiar with all the possibilities in the “market of care and support” could be an added value to guide parents and children through this period and later on in adult life. Factors that have a negative influence on the quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy are pain, poor physical fitness, non-addressed psychological issues as a child, parental stress and the ability to develop and maintain peer relationships.  One should take this into account when dealing with adolescents : prevention and early treatment of pain,  leisure time activities with peers (abled and disabled) with physical activity should be encouraged, the use of new technologies could be a strong motivator for movement and therapy, emotional and psychological problems in childhood should be addressed, parents should be supported.   A lot of practical obstacles to participation still need to be addressed by society but real inclusion demands a shift in attitude of  society towards persons with a disability, embracing diversity.