Communication changes experienced by adults with cerebral palsy as they age

Abstract

Purpose: Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) experience multiple, functional changes as they age, including changes to communication modes and methods that enable development and maintenance of relationships, communicative participation and quality-of-life. Little is known about the nature of communication changes experienced by this group. The aim of this study was to better understand how adults with CP experience changes in their communication abilities as they age and the subsequent psychosocial impact.

Method: Twenty adults with cerebral palsy aged 40–72 years with complex communication needs (CCN) participated in a series of in-depth interviews, framing their experiences of loss and grief throughout their lives. The impact of changing communication abilities emerged as an important area of focus. Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology.

Result: Themes arising from the participants’ perceptions of their communication included experiencing communication change as a loss with subsequent impact on self-concept; and how communication is integral to the process of managing losses associated with older age.

Conclusion: Implications for speech-language pathologists working with older people with cerebral palsy and CCN include the need to understand the psychosocial impact of communication changes on social interaction, relationships and communicative participation. It is important to promote positive and meaningful communication options that maintain a coherent sense of self in addition to promoting functional communication skills and communicative participation.

Keywords:

• Communication
• ageing
• cerebral palsy
• identity
• complex communication needs (CCN)

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the receipt of an NHMRC Public Health Grant to complete this research. Sincere thanks are also extended to the participants with cerebral palsy who shared their experiences with the researchers.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.