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RESEARCH that these aspects can have a profound influence individually or may feed off each other. Physical: As an adult, you often ask your body to do things differently or to meet new physical challenges. For example, hitting a growth spurt and moving differently. Your limbs may need to take additional weight, adjust to a new set of equipment or you may need to look after your dominant side/ limb/hand because wear and tear on it can develop later. Amy Hogan is the Cerebral Palsy Society’s Researcher and Member Support Advisor. Renata Kotua is a Member Support and Programmes Coordinator at the Cerebral Palsy Society. engage in the world. It’s important not to dismiss recurring negative thoughts around disability. Practical: Whatever the caregiving structures within the family, no arrangement can stay entirely the same. Parents get older, caregiving needs and the wants of individuals change. Consider the practical elements in advance. For example, what are the transport options and who can hold medical information in unexpected circumstances? Physically the adult body can be calmer than in childhood due to growth and hormonal changes having run their course. Cerebral Palsy Society member Renata Kotua navigates adulthood and parenthood, while living with Cerebral Palsy. Physiological: Many of the physical elements of Cerebral Palsy have a more hidden component in physiology – the internal systems of the body work together such as changes in metabolism, digestion and reduced or altered sensation. It can be a good idea to keep track of these rhythms and changes. It is worthwhile knowing your baseline and what keeps you comfortable. Psychological: Being different from your peers can be profound. Adulthood has a set of expected milestones. There is no right or wrong way to be an adult, and grieving is common when you see a different life from the one you are navigating. These emotions should not be ignored just because you are “used to having a disability”. Internalised ableism can creep up and blindside you at any time which impacts your sense of self and willingness to It’s helpful to model the change in circumstance while primary caregivers are well and able, so that people become familiar with what will happen before they are in the thick of the loss of structure, routine and grief. One of the greatest acts of love is setting up your family member to navigate the world when you’re no longer in it. If you would like copies of the research cited in this article or you would like more general information, feel free to contact me at amy@cpsociety.org.nz * This article is adapted from a presentation given as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Part two of this article is available at www.cerebralpalsy. org.nz/cerebral-palsy/research/ JAN–APR 2024 THE REVIEW | 17