Some teens and young adults with cerebral palsy need extra help preparing for independent living. For example, learning to drive a car may require intensive training and a high level of assistance. Occupational therapists are trained to prepare people with disabilities for these types of events.

Some adults with cerebral palsy live at home until their parents pass away or are no longer able to care for them. These older adults may need the same level of training for independent living that teens and young adults require.

Major independent living skills include preparing meals, handling money properly and using a checkbook, knowing when and where to seek medical care, and driving a car or using public transportation.

Community agencies help people with cerebral palsy make the transition to independent living. Specially designed living spaces help some teens and young adults to live alone. Other teens and young adults choose to live in group homes, preferring the comfort of being around people and knowing that extra help is available if they need it.

For more information:

• Talk with other parents about how they have helped their children with cerebral palsy adjust to independent living.
• Find out about local agencies that help people with physical disabilities to live on their own.
• Visit group homes in your community and talk with people who live there.