Transition into Adulthood

For any child, the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be daunting. Young adults undergo changes in roles, expectations, relationships and status in their family and in the community, all while experiencing physical and emotional changes. This transition can be more complex for children with cerebral palsy compared to their peers. As their child grows older, parents may wonder what kind of challenges their child may face and how parents can better support their child in transitioning into adulthood.

In this recent study, researchers interviewed a group of adolescents and young adults with CP aged 16-30 years to learn about their experiences of transitioning into adulthood as a person with CP.

What are some key findings?

Let’s start with the bad news.  The study says young people with CP face challenges with their identity, discovery of sense of self and place in society, challenging expectations, and navigating relationships. People who wish to participate in key life situations of adulthood (e.g. employment) may face barriers like discriminatory attitudes, prejudice and misconceptions about CP. These experiences were often traumatic and upsetting. The effects were difficulties in completing education, gaining employment and participating in community or recreational activities.

However, on the positive side, participants also recounted experiences of tenacity, self-advocacy and resisting conformance to low expectations others held of them. They wished to be “treated like an adult” with dignity. Gradually gaining confidence and accepting CP within a positive sense of self was also a powerful and joyous experience.

Young adults may also face challenges in building friendships and romantic relationships due to disability-focused stigma, and the internal struggle of whether or how to disclose their disability to peers or love interests. Trying to make new connections was frustrating sometimes because of an inability to go out without a support worker and protective parenting styles.

What did the participants find helpful in navigating adulthood?

 

They say that a “good friend” is the answer. Good friends were confidence builders who helped young adults participate and manage their feelings of isolation in society. Friends were also a source of information for unfamiliar experiences such as dating, moving out of the family home and finding employment. Genuine friendships brought many benefits like guidance, support and comfort to young people.

Every child’s experience in young adulthood is different, and parents may find research in this area to be helpful in guiding their child during the transition. The study also emphasizes that the implementation of inclusive, anti-discriminatory policies can improve the public’s knowledge and awareness of disability. Over time, such efforts can create more opportunities in society for people with CP.