Despite facing multidimensional inequalities, some adults with cerebral palsy achieve positive social outcomes (e.g., independent living, employment, and romantic relationships). We interviewed 23 adults (aged 23–47 years) about how they successfully negotiated the challenges of adulthood. Common to all life situations was doing what others (people without cerebral palsy) do. Origins of success lay in their formative experiences (e.g., typical parental expectations with commensurate support and acceptance and supported involvement in school life). Their present functioning (e.g., positive self-concept, well-honed social skills, and physical fitness) combined with present contexts (e.g., expectations of involvement in adult activities and accessible and accommodating environments) enabled them to find ways of negotiating challenges. Finding a way included drawing on knowledge and skills, gravitating toward those who are comfortable with difference, maintaining function, and using natural and paid supports. The findings suggest multiple avenues for supporting people with cerebral palsy to achieve positive social outcomes.

尽管面临多维不平等，一些脑瘫成人取得了积极的社会成果（例如，独立生活、就业和恋爱关系）。我们采访了 23 位成年人（23-47 岁），了解他们如何成功应对成年期的挑战。所有生活情况的共同点是做其他人（没有脑瘫的人）所做的事情。成功的根源在于他们的成长经历（例如，典型的父母期望与相应的支持和接受以及对学校生活的支持参与）。他们目前的功能（例如，积极的自我概念、良好的社交技能和身体健康）与目前的环境相结合（例如，对参与成人活动的期望以及无障碍和包容的环境）使他们能够找到应对挑战的方法。找到一种方法包括利用知识和技能，吸引那些对差异感到舒服的人，保持功能，以及使用自然和付费的支持。研究结果提出了支持脑瘫患者实现积极社会成果的多种途径。