DOCUMENT

RESEARCH Adulthood: Not such a mystery There has been an important shift in the development of work around CP in adulthood. By AMY HOGAN For a long time, the need to understand adulthood and Cerebral Palsy (CP) – Hōkai Nukurangi was acknowledged but not acted upon. Conferences and seminars routinely emphasized the importance of researching adult life with CP, yet the focus would inevitably swing back to paediatrics. That trend is finally changing. A slow but steady shift toward a lifespan approach is reshaping the way CP is understood and supported. Experts now recognise that CP is a lifelong condition, and research and services must reflect that. Being an adult with CP is no longer such a mystery. A growing number of research projects now explore adulthood with CP — examining topics such as healthy ageing, fatigue, pain management, mental health, and employment. The 2025 EACD/IAACD* Congress in Heidelberg, Germany reflected this shift. Centred on the theme “ Developing Networks – Networks for Development ”, the congress highlighted the power of collaboration across research, clinical practice, and lived experience. There was strong recognition that supporting people with CP throughout their lives requires coordinated systems that grow and adapt alongside them. Developing networks that span childhood, adolescence, and adulthood is essential — and these networks must include the voices of adults with CP to ensure services reflect the full scope of real-life experience. What we know Clinically, CP is defined as non- progressive — the original brain injury doesn’t worsen over time. But this doesn’t mean the lived experience stays the same. Life changes. As people take on the responsibilities of adulthood — working, parenting, managing households — the body is asked to do more, often leading to new or intensified challenges like fatigue, pain, or reduced mobility. It’s important to understand that not all changes are negative. Some adults with CP report improved motor control or fewer symptoms as they age. However, for many, long-term overuse and physical stress can contribute to issues like premature ageing, arthritis, and mental exhaustion. These aren’t caused by CP worsening, but by the body working overtime to keep up. 20 | THE REVIEW SEPT 2025