Participation experiences of young people with cerebral palsy in key life situations: A qualitative study.

Dev Med Child Neurol

Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.

Published: October 2024

Aims: To explore the participation experiences of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) in key life situations of young adulthood and investigate the impact of a government-funded, disability insurance scheme on participation and health service access.

Method: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. Sixteen young people with CP (aged 16-30 years; mean age = 24 years 4 months) participated. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim before thematic analysis.

Results: An overarching theme of 'branching out into adulthood' was identified. Participants described early adulthood as a time of change, choice, and challenge. The sub-themes were: (1) making sense of my CP as an adult; (2) people's attitudes towards disability and the impacts on me; (3) roadblocks and workarounds; and (4) participation at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants reported complex views on the new disability insurance scheme. While access to services and support increased, participants experienced significant difficulty negotiating appropriate funding, resulting in frustration and reduced confidence in the scheme.

Interpretation: Young people with CP experience complexity as they participate during young adulthood. Alongside exploring how their identity is intertwined with having CP, they face significant barriers to participation when navigating relationships, accessing services, and being involved in the community.

What This Paper Adds: Negative community attitudes about disability affect confidence and self-perception, and hinder participation, in young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Close friends can act as a buffer for young adults with CP, fostering their participation and bringing joy. A government-funded disability support scheme has improved access to services. However, high levels of advocacy are required to obtain appropriate support. Online learning enhanced the participation and engagement of young adults with CP enrolled at university during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15920DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

young adults
16
young people
12
young
9
participation
8
participation experiences
8
cerebral palsy
8
palsy key
8
key life
8
life situations
8
adults cerebral
8

Similar Publications

Drug Development.

Alzheimers Dement

December 2024

Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Background: The ability to monitor cognitive trajectories over the course of trials can provide valuable insights into treatment efficacy. However, existing trial methods are limited in monitoring cognition in real-time and at high frequencies. Gameplay-based assessments hold promise as complementary cognitive tools.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Environmental factors account for a considerable percentage of dementia cases. Studies in animal models have shown that environmental enrichment (EE; i.e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Although cognitive decline is a trait related to aging, some individuals are resilient to the aging process, defined as SuperAgers. Studying the neural underpinnings of SuperAgers may improve the understanding of AD pathology. In this study, our aim was to analyze amyloid and neurodegeneration imaging biomarkers in SuperAgers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Despite technology adoption and increased dependence on digital technologies, the digital divide persists among older adults. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers and facilitators of recruiting non-English speaking older individuals who are cognitively impaired along with their caregivers for PLAN, an ongoing RCT designed to promote the transition of Korean American older adults with probable dementia and their caregivers into the healthcare system for adequate diagnostic follow-up and care. We also examined online-based recruitment strategies focused on older adults reported in relevant published studies to compare with our experiences.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Gut-derived lactic acid enhances tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptamine in regulation of anxiety via .

Gut Microbes

December 2025

MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in anxiety regulation through pathways involving neurotransmitter production, immune signaling, and metabolic interactions. Among these, gut-derived serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), synthesized from tryptophan metabolism, has been identified as a key mediator. However, it remains unclear whether specific microbial factors regulate tryptophan metabolism to influence 5-HT production and anxiety regulation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!