In this study we investigated the social outcomes of school leavers with cerebral palsy (CP) in Victoria. We wanted to know what adults with CP aged 18–25 years were doing after leaving school. We sent them a survey and asked about their living situation, work, study and relationships. Ninety young people with CP took part. We found 80% of young people with CP had completed secondary school (compared to 83% of their peers without CP); 33% of those with CP (compared to 76%) were in paid work; 88% (compared to 48%) were living in their parental home; and 3% (compared to 32%) were married or partnered.
Individuals with CP and higher levels of functional capacity and better physical health were more likely to do post-secondary education. Higher levels of functional capacity and physical health, as well as lower mental health status were associated with being employed. Compared with the earlier 2007 study, more young people with CP are now completing school, but there has been no change in employment rates.
While foundational education completion rates were similar to non-disabled peers, significant gaps in social outcomes remain, including residence in the parental home and single status. While addressing these issues is challenging, substantial efforts are needed to reduce these disparities—work that needs to be done in collaboration with people with CP and their families.
Findings from this study have been published and used to help plan new research to support the participation of young adults with CP.
This project was funded by the Hallmark Disability Initiative of the University of Melbourne.
Christine (she/her) grew up on Nipaluna lands and currently lives on Wurundjeri lands. Christine pays her respects to the Custodians, Elders past, present and emerging. Christine is the Apex Australia Foundation Chair of Neurodevelopment and Disability at The University of Melbourne and The Royal Children’s Hospital. This is called the Apex Chair for short.
Christine is an occupational therapist, and her research focuses on participation – what helps, what makes it harder, and how to change what we do so that participation is better for everyone. Christine’s research is usually done in partnership with young people with disability and their families.
In 2021, Christine became Founding Director of Healthy Trajectories, a child and youth disability research hub on the Melbourne Children’s Campus. She is excited to bring together a team to work towards the vision of achieving best outcomes for children and youth with disability and their families. Read more about Christine’s research.
When she is not researching (and sometimes when she is) you can find Christine sailing with her family or doing renovations on her home.
Tell us a bit about yourself so we can keep you up to date with the most relevant news and opportunities.
Tell us a bit about yourself so we can keep you up to date with the most relevant news and opportunities.
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