Step 3: Explore Young-Adult Education
Young adults with cerebral palsy are entitled to remain in school until age 21.
However, they can only stay until they graduate. So if your child is eligible at 18
for the diploma, you may want to talk to your child's school about deferring it until
age 21.
Find out if there is a young-adult education program in your school or community.
This program focuses on teaching life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, job training,
and financial literacy.
Step 4: Do the Legal Work
Once kids turn 18, no matter what their cognitive abilities, they're considered
adults in the eyes of the law. If your child cannot make decisions about medical or
financial affairs, consider securing a power of attorney. This will allow you to continue
to make medical or financial decisions on your child's behalf.
Also, look into health
insurance options. Adult children can remain on a parent's private health insurance
until age 26. After that time, your child might have to rely solely on Medicaid.
The disability also makes your child qualify for Social Security and Supplemental
Security Income (SSI), so find out how to ensure that your child gets all the benefits
to which he or she is entitled.
Now is also time to take another look at your will. You might have other children
who are coming into adulthood and could serve as trustee for your child's special
needs trust. Consider talking with your other kids about the care your child will
need in adulthood, and whether they want to be involved in that care.
Step 5: Address Issues of Sexuality
Your child's body is maturing into adulthood. This means that he or she can —
and might even want to — engage in sexual relationships. If your child is able,
have him or her talk to the doctor about protection
from unwanted pregnancy and sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs).
Unfortunately, people with developmental disabilities are more likely to be victims
of sexual assault. So it's important to talk with your child about appropriate
versus inappropriate sexual behavior. Let him or her know that you are there to
help if any situation feels uncomfortable, or if your child is worried or harmed.
Step 6: Find New Doctors
You may have relied on the same team of pediatricians, specialists, psychiatrists,
and therapists for your child's entire life. But by age 21, most child-focused health
care providers will require that your child transition
to adult care.
Talk with the current care providers for referrals to others who can care for your
child in adulthood. Also, friends who have older kids with CP might be able to recommend
providers./p>
Date reviewed: September 2015