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The transition study: a look at youth and adults with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and acquired brain injury

Young N, McCormick A, Mills W, Barden W, Boydell K, Law M, Wedge J, Fehlings D, Mukherjee S, Rumney P, Williams JL. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2006; 26(4):25-45.


A group of 100 adults and 190 youth who have cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and acquired brain injuries from childhood (ABIc) participated in a multi-method study focused on the transition to adult health care. The results show that 95% of youth and 61% of adults were living with their parents; 23% of the youth and 55% of adults were employed; and 60% of youth and 42% of adults reported "excellent" or "very good" health. The lowest health scores were reported by adults with SB. These findings provide a starting point for examining health issues specific to youth and young adults with CP, SB, and ABIc.

Keywords: Adolescent health Genetic diseases Neurological disorders Health care utilization

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