Cerebral Palsy in Adults

Children with special needs grow into adults with special needs. Hopefully the parents of these children pursued structured and focused therapy in order to prepare them for their adult life, for living without the direct aid of parents or social workers is challenging enough without the added complication of Cerebral Palsy.

The groundwork of a functioning adult is laid in childhood, as there are many adults with cerebral palsy who lead normal, functional lives. Unfortunately, the level of functionality and independence is greatly dictated by both the amount of preparation and the degree of the handicap. Adults with less significant disability are likely to lead more adjusted, independent, and developed lives, while those who need more help are often relegated to group homes and constant supervision.

Caring for adults with Cerebral Palsy

Adults with Cerebral Palsy have different needs than children with Cerebral Palsy. While children need guidance through their formative years to become adults, once early adulthood is reached these children must now face the issues we all take for granted. Some of these issues are universal to men and women, but others are gender specific. Some of the more common hurdles that adults with Cerebral Palsy face include:

• Exercise. In order to maintain physical health, all adults must participate in some form of physical activity, but cases of Cerebral Palsy of prohibit vigorous exercise. Many of the harsher effects of aging can be reduced through activity, so it is important for adults with Cerebral Palsy to participate in whatever activity they can. Exercise has also been linked to reducing depression, which can be important to adults with Cerebral Palsy.
• Women's Issues. Women with Cerebral Palsy need to receive the counseling they need on how their bodies change with time, and how to adequately address issues such as menstruation, breast exams, and sexual activity. While Cerebral Palsy may make these issues more difficult to address, they are important for the proper development into healthy and well-adjusted adults.
• Medical and Dental Care. Maintaining a good relationship with doctors and dentists ensures that any problems may be addressed early enough to prevent serious long term complications.
• Nutrition. Many adults with Cerebral Palsy need adjusted Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in order to compensate for respiration problems, increased saliva loss, and excessive fatigue.
• Communication. Many adults with severe Cerebral Palsy suffer coordination problems as their bodies age. This can lead to communication difficulties and withdrawal from the outside world, so it is important for adults with Cerebral Palsy to maintain open communication lines with people around them.

Many of the concerns adults with Cerebral Palsy have with aging are the same we all must face, albeit with a certainly more challenging spin. With proper help, care, patience, and determination, any adult with Cerebral Palsy can live a functional, healthy, and long life.