Successfully Negotiating Life Challenges: Learnings From Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Despite facing multidimensional inequalities, some adults with cerebral palsy achieve positive social outcomes (e.g., independent living, employment, and romantic relationships). We interviewed 23 adults (aged 23–47 years) about how they successfully negotiated the challenges of adulthood. Common to all life situations was doing what others (people without cerebral palsy) do. Origins of success lay in their formative experiences (e.g., typical parental expectations with commensurate support and acceptance and supported involvement in school life). Their present functioning (e.g., positive self-concept, well-honed social skills, and physical fitness) combined with present contexts (e.g., expe..