Early Adulthood
What changes in early adulthood?
Children with cerebral palsy have usually had access to a range of medical, therapy and education professionals. This level of access can decrease when a person transitions from child to adult services.
Becoming an adult can also mean big life changes, such as starting college or university or looking for a job.
Wherever life leads it is important that young adults with cerebral palsy keep track of their condition and continue building good support networks around them.
Make sure your equipment and aids are still right for you
A common issue for young adults with CP is continuing to use equipment or aids that worked well for them as teenagers but that over time have been subject to wear and tear and need readjustment or replacing.
Having transitioned from children’s services (where equipment is routinely reviewed) to adult services, the responsibility now lies with the adult (or their carers) to monitor and request any review of equipment, aids and orthotics. You can request a review if you have not had one for a long time, or think you need one.
Regular therapy can help
The benefits of continuing therapy in early adulthood:
- Get to the root of problems being identified
- Provide individualised ideas on activities/exercises in order to remain well physically and mentally
- Maintain strength
- Maintain levels of mobility
- With feeling ‘looser’ and more flexible
- Reduce pain caused by sitting at a computer or being in a wheelchair for long periods
- Maintain current function and stop or slow the rate of things ‘getting worse’
- Improve stamina and overall sense of wellbeing
- Improve confidence
- Problem-solve issues regarding the use of aids and orthotics
- Identify suitable equipment and/or advice on adjustments to current equipment
How Cerebral Palsy Scotland can help
Find out how Cerebral Palsy Scotland supports adults with CP by providing therapy and other services.
Our Annual Self Check can help identify areas where changes are beginning to happen and help with deciding if it’s time to get some advice or help.
Supporting your transition into adulthood
The charity Contact manage a transitions website, Talking About Tomorrow, which has been developed with parents, for parents. It is a guide through the journey to adulthood for disabled young people in Scotland.
