Cerebral Palsy Does Affect Adults Too

Cerebral Palsy is thought of a disease of children, but it of course affects adults as well. Hopefully, all children with Cerebral Palsy grow to be adults, so if we do not address the issues of living with Cerebral Palsy as an adult, you cannot comprehensively address this topic.

Among the issues most impacting the adult with Cerebral Palsy is the issue of employment or the receipt of disability benefits. In terms of employment, both rehabilitation and discrimination programs are designed to insure that all Cerebral Palsy individuals have maximum opportunity to be integrated into the work place. For those who are unable to find vocational options where there disability can be accomodated, the primary disability program would be with the Social Security. If there has been no earnings history, this would be primarily SSI.

One of the most important issues with respect to adults with cerebral palsy is the avoidance of what is called a secondary disability as a result of a 'disuse syndrome'. See Preventing Secondary Conditions Associated with 
Spina Bifida or Cerebral Palsy Symposium 

As stated in that article by Michael Marge:

These behaviors are recommended not only to help prevent primary disabilities but also to reduce the risk for acquiring secondary conditions. Let me enumerate these practices.

• Improve diet and nutrition.
• Reduce or eliminate tobacco use.
• Eliminate alcohol and drug abuse.
• Institute weight control.
• Engage in a recommended program of physical exercise and activity prescribed by a team of specialists knowledgeable about spina bifida and cerebral palsy.
• Have easy access to primary care services
  • that include screening for blood pressure problems, cancer, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal conditions, and problems with vision, hearing, or cognitive functions;
  • that monitor neurological status and immunizations;
  • and that provide medical care for illness, disease, and injury, as well as appropriate counseling for preventive care, especially for depression and for medication use.
• Receive strong social support through various sources: family, friends, support groups.
• Practice injury prevention on the road, the recreational field, and at home.
• Control environmental hazards, including noise, pollution, food and water contamination, and pestilence.
• Achieve and maintain a living income through work or through governmental support that allows a person a reasonable degree of quality of life.
• Practice sound stress management.
• Have a good night's sleep.

Click here to continue on with the Marge article recommendations for a living with Cerebral Palsy on our Cerebral Palsy Help Page.

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