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Final Program


Preliminary Program

Transitioning Patients with Cerebral Palsy into Adulthood: What Do We Know Now?

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Location: 205 to 207
Ideal Audience:Physician. Resident/Fellow
Individuals with CP now have near-normal life expectancy, yet the condition is still treated almost exclusively as a childhood disorder. As patients with CP age, impaired mobility places them at risk for metabolic and musculoskeletal conditions, but preventive screening is often inadequate. This session will discuss: an overview of patients with CP transitioning their health care from the pediatric to adulthood; highlight examples of providers working with transition patients in varying geographic, urban vs. rural, and clinical/hospital vs. communities settings; and explore strategies for future research and position statements for PRM providers to integrate transition-focused curriculum into PRM training programs, promoting at least one dedicated PRM provider for young adults (ages 18–30) in every institution to serve as a bridge between pediatric and adult rehabilitation care, and propose screening protocols for preventable conditions (Peterson et al.)

Session Objectives:

  • 1. Describe creative solutions to common assistive technology problems and summarize new available power seating technology. 2. Identify barriers to effective transition for patients with CP entering adulthood. 3. Share examples of transition programs across institutions. 4. Discuss future actionable goals such as advocating for a structured transition curriculum in PRM training programs and to promote a model of transitional care focused on early adult screening and continuity of care for patients with CP and other childhood onset disabilities.
  • CanMEDS: Medical Expert. Collaborator. Health Advocate. Professional.