Care of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that primarily affect motor function. This developmental disability is becoming more common in adults as life expectancy increases for individuals with CP. Many physical, medical, mental, and behavioral health conditions are associated with CP, and assistance should be provided to patients with CP to optimize function, when available. These comorbidities include intellectual disabilities, seizures, muscle contractures, abnormal gait, osteoporosis, communication disorders, malnutrition, sleep disorders, and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The physician should be familiar with screening for and assisting patients with these issues. Optimizing quality of life requires individualized care plans that may include physical therapy, muscle relaxants, surgery, and nutritional support. Other issues to be addressed include methods to facilitate employment; sexual concerns; and support through local and national organizations for patients, families, and caregivers.