title: "Thrust into adulthood": Transition experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy.
abstract: The transition to adulthood, the gradual change in roles and responsibilities, is identified as a challenging time for adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy. Health care, education, employment, independent living, and community engagement have been identified as areas of concern. However, relatively little research has been done to understand the experiences, perceptions, and needs of individuals with cerebral palsy as they transition toward adulthood.
  
  
  
  The objective of this study was to explore the transition experiences, perceptions, and needs of young adults with cerebral palsy living in one state in the southeastern United States.
  
  
  
  Focus groups with nine young adults with cerebral palsy (19-34 years) were conducted. The focus group interview explored the preparation for transition and experiences navigating adulthood. The audio-recorded groups were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  
  Young adults with cerebral palsy identified numerous challenges associated with navigating adulthood. The main themes were: 1) being thrust into adulthood; 2) navigating systems and services; 3) understanding and managing my body; and 4) dealing with stereotypes and prejudice.
  
  
  
  The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to transition with a focus on building capacity and empowerment. To navigate complex systems of care, "navigators" or "facilitators" are needed. Additionally, practitioners and service providers in adult systems need further education about cerebral palsy.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. Electronic address: Nancy_Bagatell@med.unc.edu.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bagatell
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: Dara
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: Kimberly Karrat
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Rauch
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thorpe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001290:Attitude; D002547:Cerebral Palsy; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012648:Self Care; D015144:Southeastern United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adulthood; Cerebral palsy; Transition