Social outcomes of young adults with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND: Functional abilities and social outcomes of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are relatively under-researched. Improvements in paediatric care have extended the expectation of achieving adulthood to 90%. METHOD: Young adults aged 20-30 years with CP (n = 335) were compared to a population-based control group (n = 2,152) of the same age. Motor function, self-care abilities, educational level, and social outcomes were determined by questionnaire. RESULTS: Half the study group walked independently, but only 35.5% were independent in self-care. In comparison to their peers without disability, the study group's highest educational level was lower (p < .0001), as were rates of employment (36.3% compared with 80%), they were more likely to be living with parents (80% compared with 21%), to be single, and to have limited financial resources. CONCLUSION: Young adults with CP are functionally and socially disadvantaged in contrast with their peers without disability. Self-care dependence, intellectual disability, and communication impairments contribute to these outcomes but are not solely responsible.