Adult outcomes and lifespan issues for people with childhood-onset physical disability.
This paper aimed to discuss functioning, quality of life, (QoL) and lifespan care issues of adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset physical disability from a clinical, scientific, and personal perspective. We present a résumé of results of recently performed studies in rehabilitation-based samples of (young) adults with childhood-onset conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) and spina bifida (SB), and different models of transition and lifespan care. The studies showed that many young adults with a childhood-onset disability experience health-related problems such as functional deterioration, pain or fatigue, and an inactive lifestyle. A significant number are restricted in participation in work, housing, and intimate relationships. They perceive a lower health-related and global QoL compared with a reference group. In some centres in the UK and the Netherlands specialized outpatient services are available or being developed. In conclusion, transition to adulthood is a critical phase for reaching autonomous participation in adult life. There is an international challenge to incorporate a lifespan perspective in paediatric, transition, and adult health care services for persons with a childhood-onset disability.
Roebroeck
Marij E
ME
The Transition Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. m.roebroeck@erasmusmc.nl
Jahnsen
Reidun
R
Carona
Carlos
C
Kent
Ruth M
RM
Chamberlain
M Anne
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult