The major tasks of adolescence: Implications for transition planning with youths with cerebral palsy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lisa M. Marn, | Lynn C. Koch,

Affiliations: Kent State University, Department of Educational Foundations and Special Services, 721 Sycamore Drive, Euclid, OH 44132, USA

Note: [] Tel.: +1 216 289 2533; Fax: +1 216 289 4653; E-mail: lmmarn@aol.com or lkoch@educ.kent.edu

Abstract: Adolescents with cerebral palsy are presented with unique challenges as they make the transition to adulthood. There are a number of considerations that need to be addressed in a collaborative manner by rehabilitation professionals, educators, parents, and adolescents to facilitate the transition process. This article (a) explores the challenges that youths with cerebral palsy encounter as they attempt to accomplish the developmental tasks of adolescence and (b) discusses how those tasks can be integrated into transition planning. An overview of the medical aspects of cerebral palsy is also provided.

Keywords: transition, cerebral palsy, adolescence, vocational rehabilitation

Journal: Work, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 51-58, 1999