Although there are many inequities in the lives of adults with cerebral palsy, some achieve positive social outcomes (e.g., independent living, employment, and romantic relationships). We interviewed 23 adults (aged 23–47 years) about how they successfully negotiated the challenges of adulthood.

Common to all life situations was doing what others (people without cerebral palsy) do. Adults talked about the importance of their formative experiences – that is, the things that happened while they were growing up. Positive experiences included when parents had typical expectations of them and provided them with the needed support, and supported involvement in school life. For adults with cerebral palsy, present functioning (e.g., positive self-concept, well-honed social skills, and physical fitness) combined with present contexts (e.g., expectations of involvement in adult activities and accessible and accommodating environments) enabled them to find ways of negotiating challenges. Finding a way (to do the things that were important or required) included drawing on their knowledge and skills, gravitating toward those who are comfortable with difference, maintaining function, and using natural and paid supports. The findings suggest there are many avenues for supporting people with cerebral palsy to achieve positive social outcomes.

This project was funded by the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation and the NHMRC CRE-CP.

You can find the abstract for this journal article here