Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:04
Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations
Published on: February 2, 2024
Growing older with cerebral palsy: insiders' perspectives
Marylyn Horsman1, Melinda Suto, Brian Dudgeon
1Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Summary
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) experience earlier functional decline. Awareness, acceptance, and action help them cope with aging and improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition.
- Adults with CP face accelerated functional ability loss compared to able-bodied peers.
- Understanding the aging experience in CP is crucial for long-term care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of adults aging with cerebral palsy.
- To identify challenges and coping mechanisms associated with aging with CP.
- To inform developmental therapists about the long-term needs of individuals with CP.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive phenomenology was employed.
- In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted.
- Open-ended questions focused on aging experiences, understanding, coping, and meaning.
Main Results:
- A central theme of "Awareness, Acceptance, and Action" emerged.
- Participants recognized accelerated physical deterioration compared to peers.
- Acceptance of changes facilitated proactive measures to enhance quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer insights for pediatric therapists working with children with CP.
- Understanding the aging trajectory is vital for lifelong care planning.
- Therapeutic interventions should consider the evolving needs of adults with CP.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:24Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are themselves.
01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the recognition that people have...
01:30Information Processing Approach
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...