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Cerebral palsy in adults causes muscle stiffness and hinders movement. Adulting can be hard with CP, but you can improve your lifestyle. Read more at Meri Sehat.

Living As An Adult With Cerebral Palsy

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Introduction

If there&rsquo;s ever a rule that is the same for everyone in life, it&rsquo;s this: adulting is a challenge. A never-ending complex phase that starts as soon as you turn 18 and then you&rsquo;re stuck with it, well, for life. But, for children with <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/cerebral-palsy">cerebral palsy (CP)</a>, there&rsquo;s nothing &lsquo;new&rsquo; about the challenges they&rsquo;ll be facing as an adult. You don&rsquo;t get CP later in life; it presents itself either at the time of birth or during infancy. The issue is that the difficulty level of dealing with their condition goes a notch up as they transition from childhood to adulthood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Like all individuals, a child with CP would prefer anything that eases the transition. Education, training, and life skills obviously top the list to make independent survival possible. The best thing is to start early &ndash; when they are teenagers (14 years). It would give them plenty of time to develop the self-assurance and abilities necessary for their transition to adulthood. This would aid in making this transition less difficult and less traumatic.

&nbsp;

A study carried out in the Netherlands found that 70% of young adults with CP, who were between the ages of 18 and 22, experienced difficulties with the following everyday tasks<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Self-care</li>
	<li>Productivity</li>
	<li>Food Preparation</li>
	<li>Housework</li>
	<li>Leisure activities, particularly those involving relaxation 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Understanding the Life of Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Typically, birth injuries that result in brain damage cause cerebral palsy. It&rsquo;s a lifelong condition and an individual with CP has to learn how to cope with it. Also, the severity of these symptoms needs to be addressed and managed with appropriate treatment.

<div>&nbsp;</div>

The types and levels of CP usually affect the symptoms you might experience in adulthood. When walking or attempting to move, some types of CP-like spastic cerebral palsy result in:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Tight muscles</li>
	<li>Heightened reflexes</li>
	<li>Awkward movements 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

CP can impact the entire body or just half of it. CP symptoms include:

<ul>
	<li>Stiff muscles</li>
	<li>Weak muscles&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Paralysis of one side or specific organ(s)</li>
	<li>Scissor-like movements when walking</li>
	<li>Involuntary movements in the legs, hands, and arms</li>
	<li>Twitching of the tongue and facial muscles</li>
	<li>Difficulty during swallowing</li>
	<li>High or low muscle tone&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Floppy limbs&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

If you&rsquo;re raising a child with CP, then know this: transitioning from childhood to adulthood will be difficult, and require extra effort to manage their affairs accordingly.&nbsp; Besides, co-occurring disorders means you&rsquo;ll be needing every ounce of energy and patience to help them. You know your kid has developmental delays, so&nbsp; actively seek specialized instruction, counseling, and ongoing care.

&nbsp;

So, the earlier you plan, the better - whether it&rsquo;s preparing them for school, watching them become a part of the workforce, or living independently and successfully.

&nbsp;

Let&#39;s talk about the different phases of the child-to-adult transition.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Early Childhood</h5>

Learning through play is the ideal opportunity for you to introduce life lessons to your young one. Pretend play, creative activities, board games, etc., will all help your toddler understand how things function in the real world. 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Challenges In Children

<ul>
	<li>Find a qualified pediatrician and therapist to offer your toddler medical and emotional care.</li>
	<li>Early socialization and friendship-building are essential for the development of&nbsp;self-assurance and communication abilities of your child.</li>
	<li>Get them enrolled in various forms of therapy (for example, OT, art therapy, music therapy) to improve mobility, cognition, and motor skills.</li>
	<li>Ensure the preschool and any other institutes that your child attends follow a customized special education program based on their skills and weaknesses. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

For those with cerebral palsy, the early years are a crucial time for growth. The efforts made within the early years will pay off in adolescence and adulthood. Do your best in the early years to reduce your child&rsquo;s dependency later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Adolescence&nbsp;</h5>

Teens with CP experience additional emotional challenges apart from the general moodiness or emotional swings characteristic of this phase of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Think about it from their perspective: it&rsquo;s hard to be independent or social if you are physically restricted. It becomes upsetting when you start to feel different from your classmates, like you&rsquo;re the odd one out.

&nbsp;

A differently-abled child will go through different physical and emotional changes owing to the probable developmental delays. When your kid becomes a teenager, you must be involved with social activities to ensure their inclusivity in society. 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Challenges In Teenagers&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Get in touch with the education system to enroll in any specialist courses that focus on communication and life skills.</li>
	<li>Promote and honor self-reliance and independence.</li>
	<li>Promote coping mechanisms.</li>
	<li>Make sure the youngsters have access to a system where they can express their medical requirements and history without a parent or caregiver&#39;s assistance.</li>
	<li>Consult physical therapists to enhance daily activities and fine motor abilities. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You should pay attention to how your child is adjusting to early adulthood and work to make this time as easy for them as possible. If they&rsquo;re able to function better mentally and physically, they&rsquo;ll naturally be able to enter the workforce or pursue further education. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Give them regular advice to aid their transitions in early adulthood.</li>
	<li>Enroll them in workforce development programs that offer skill development and also guidance on the available job options.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Help them obtain an adapted driver&#39;s license, or teach them how to use the local transportation system.</li>
	<li>Prepare them for the changeover from a pediatric-focused facility to an adult care physician and&nbsp; help them adjust to the changes in treatment and therapy. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You need to be cautious at this stage as the body will start to feel more strained now. You can seek treatment from doctors and therapists for issues like:

<ul>
	<li>Pain sensations (especially in the knees, hips, ankles, and back)</li>
	<li>Arthritis syndrome ( a combination of pain, lethargy, and weakness) brought on by muscle problems and tension from doing the same actions repeatedly</li>
	<li>Depression due to fewer social interactions 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The condition needs attention at the state/government level to ensure adults with CP are able to improve their standard of living.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Premature Aging</h5>

As an adult with CP, you&rsquo;ll probably struggle with premature aging. Adults 40 and above can notice these signs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Firstly, there&rsquo;s an apparent lack of energy than before. You require 3-5 times more energy to conduct daily tasks as compared to those who do not have CP.

&nbsp;

Secondly, your muscles and bones deteriorate due to the pressure and stress placed on them. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is a condition that usually develops over time as a result of overuse of joints, especially in the hips, ankles, knees, and arms. 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Premature Aging

Managing symptoms is easier when you know what to expect. Premature aging necessitates the use of mobility aids, such as crutches or wheelchairs, for some people. Others can completely lose their ability to walk and require constant assistance and supervision. Increased pain, tight muscles, and other issues related to heart or lungs also indicate accelerated aging. Get in touch with a healthcare practitioner to manage serious health concerns. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Post-Impairment Syndrome</h5>

A common disease called post-impairment syndrome develops when you continually exhaust your body&#39;s energy. If you suffer from CP, you might expend all of your energy and stamina on simple tasks, like sweeping the floor or ascending a short flight of stairs.

&nbsp;

This increased energy consumption puts the body under a lot of stress, resulting in discomfort, fatigue, and weakness.

&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s a little tricky to differentiate between post-impairment syndrome and the symptoms of CP. People with CP frequently suffer from exhaustion and pain due to the increased energy requirements for all tasks. However, if you have post-impairment syndrome then you&rsquo;ll also have these symptoms:

<ul>
	<li>Persistent discomfort</li>
	<li>Lethargy</li>
	<li>Weakness&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

How To Deal With Post-Impairment Syndrome

Work closely with an occupational therapist to avoid long-term harm caused by excessive energy demands and increased lethargy. They can guide you on how to perform daily tasks using less energy. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Pain</h5>

Muscle, joint, and bone abnormalities can cause discomfort in children, but with age, such discomfort may develop into pain.

&nbsp;

CP may impact joint development and limit daily mobility. It may also result in early onset osteoarthritis. You may experience severe compressions every time you move your joints. All these problems are painful.

&nbsp;

Your body&#39;s major joints that are at a high risk of experiencing these pain sensations, include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Hips</li>
	<li>Knees</li>
	<li>Ankles</li>
	<li>Upper and lower back 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

How To Deal With Pain

CP affects your body in various ways. Other symptoms may become more severe as a result of this pain. Some people can manage their pain through physical and occupational therapy. Others still find medication (as prescribed by their doctor) useful. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Mental Health&nbsp;</h5>

People with CP usually experience social isolation due to their illness. They might skip activities or outings due to their physical restrictions. They could also avoid socializing because they might feel terrified of other people&rsquo;s opinions or embarrassed about their condition.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It leads to anxiety and even hopelessness. People with chronic illnesses like CP are more likely to have depression. In fact, according to a 2017 study, 20% of 501 adults with CP reported depression<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

&nbsp;

The same study discovered that people with CP who also suffered from depression were more likely to have gastrointestinal issues or use oral medicines.

&nbsp;

Mental health issues of CP patients may go unreported because the physical aspects of the disease are the main area of focus. However, it is important to understand that the impact of depression and other mental health problems can make CP worse, especially if they are left untreated. Thankfully, with proper treatment, doctors can ensure greater mobility, less discomfort, and increase vitality. 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Mental Health Concerns

Along with your physical demands, you and your doctor must also attend to your emotional and mental needs. For those with CP, therapists, support groups, and other mental health professionals have proved to be useful resources. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Challenges At Workplace</h5>

Young adults with CP may choose to embark on new endeavors like attending college or working. Though some things can be more challenging for people with CP, many do so with great success. 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Challenges At Workplace

Nevertheless, daily activities take a toll on your health. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for differently-abled employees. These accommodations may include:

<ul>
	<li>Allowed to take breaks frequently</li>
	<li>Access to and use of assistive aids; equipment like a stool can lessen the physical strain on their body&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A parking spot nearer to the entrance</li>
	<li>A desk located nearer to the office equipment or restrooms</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Remember, employers aren&rsquo;t allowed to discriminate against you during hiring because of your special needs. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Challenges In Social Situations</h5>

People with CP might be hesitant to attend social gatherings. You might worry about odd looks or inquiries. You might also become tired easily or think that making modifications to your wheelchair or crutches is unmanageable in a social environment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

How To Deal With Challenges In Social Gatherings

You are not alone. There are many people out there with this condition and they lead active, fulfilling social lives. The secret is to make friends who support you in your efforts to stay active. They urge you to not consider CP as a disability, support you in your daily activities and are there for you when you are going through depression. You feel more socially connected and aware that there isn&#39;t anything holding you back if your friends check in with you regularly, are aware of your needs and ready to accommodate you. 
&nbsp;

Patients with CP may also suffer from<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Hypertension</li>
	<li>Heart conditions</li>
	<li>Diabetes</li>
	<li>Joint pain</li>
	<li>Urinary incontinence</li>
	<li>Asthma</li>
	<li>Hearing impairment</li>
	<li>Arthritis</li>
	<li>Swallowing difficulties and feeding disorders</li>
	<li>Stroke</li>
	<li>Speech difficulties</li>
	<li>Emphysem</li>
	<li>Scoliosis</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

A person&#39;s overall health and well-being may be impacted by the symptoms of CP and several other medical disorders. Fortunately, many of these illnesses are treatable. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Making sure a child has access to resources that help them with secondary education or job training and, eventually, housing and independent living is the most crucial part of the transition into adulthood.

&nbsp;

Adults with CP exhibit greater risk of chronic illnesses, decline in strength and functional reserve, and increased risk of musculoskeletal issues that worsen physical activity and affect their swallowing ability.

&nbsp;

Children with cerebral palsy also require an additional level of security, self-assurance, and social abilities to interact with others and seize possibilities. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul><li>The road from childhood to early adulthood is filled with exciting turning points.</li><li>It's crucial for parents of children with cerebral palsy to understand that, despite the additional challenges they may face, the benefits will be just as great.</li><li>Parents can assist their children to succeed by honing abilities, including self-sufficiency, mobilization, and communication.</li><li>Finding a balance between letting go and assisting&nbsp; is the most crucial step in helping the children with CP. This step will help them navigate life on their terms as they enter early adulthood. </li></ul>

[1] Nieuwenhuijsen C, Donkervoort M, Nieuwstraten W, Stam HJ, Roebroeck ME. Experienced problems of young adults with cerebral palsy: Targets for rehabilitation care. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2009;90(11):1891-1897. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2009.06.014

[2] The ‘true’ prevalence and risk factors of depression in adults with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine &amp; Child Neurology. 2017;59:120-120. doi:10.1111/dmcn.67_13512

[3] Peterson MD, Ryan JM, Hurvitz EA, Mahmoudi E. Chronic Conditions in Adults With Cerebral Palsy. JAMA. 2015;314(21):2303–2305. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.11025