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RESEARCH Amy Hogan is the Cerebral Palsy Society’s Researcher and Member Support Advisor. Global and local progress One of the most important shifts in recent years has been the development of groups focused specifically on CP in adulthood. These include Cerebral Palsy Grows Up ( www. cerebralpalsygrowsup.org ) in the United States, UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement ( www.upmovement.org.uk ) in the United Kingdom, and CP-Achieve ( www.cp- achieve.org.au ) in Australia. These groups are/have been conducting research, offering peer support, and creating resources like adult health checklists and transition guides. Aotearoa New Zealand is actively contributing to this progress. Both by producing our own projects and contributing to international collaborations that examine aspects of adulthood such as health, different degrees of ageing, co-occurring conditions such as arthritis, and planning for the future. Several of these initiatives are outlined below. New Zealand initiatives and support In Aotearoa New Zealand the momentum to address adulthood in CP is growing strong. We have several initiatives and resources aimed at improving adult outcomes and supporting individuals through all life stages: • Healthy Ageing Project: A research initiative led by the University of Auckland (with involvement from the Cerebral Palsy Society) focusing on adults with CP. It seeks to understand what health changes adults here experience as they age and what they consider important for staying healthy. • Australian and New Zealand CP Strategy: Developed in collaboration with CP associations and experts across both countries, this strategy emphasizes a lifespan approach and improves life with CP by expanding research into adult health and supporting community services. • Local resources and projects: The Living with CP page on the Cerebral Palsy Society’s website and programmes like getDriving, getOutThere, getPhysical, getThis&That and getUpAgain directly support adult members in practical ways. • Community and peer support: Adult-focused peer groups and platforms like The Review magazine share insights and experiences that help foster understanding, community, and connection. Turning knowledge into action As the research grows, so does the responsibility to act on it. There are efforts that are paired with advocacy for better support across transitions — such as moving from paediatric to adult services, and from adult to aged care. People with CP and their whānau are also helping lead this change. Adults with lived experience are increasingly involved in co- designing research, presenting at conferences, and shaping policy recommendations. Their insight ensures that adult needs are not only recognised but centred. If you would like further information or want to share your own experience, please email Amy at amy@cpsociety.org.nz * EACD is the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability. IAACD is the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability SEPT 2025 THE REVIEW | 21