Some of the behavioural problems that adults with CP experience can be due to the physical and emotional challenges they face as a result of their CP. While managing challenging behaviours can be complex, it is important to remember that good support and treatments options are available to help.

As children with CP reach adulthood, they become more aware of how their symptoms of CP, such as physical limitations or communication difficulties, affect their quality of life. This can lead to frustration and behavioural issues, which sometimes lead to problems with alcoholism and drug use, particularly for young men with CP.

Research has found that adults with CP, especially men, are also more likely to suffer from mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, than those without CP.

Improving behavioural issues in adults with CP can be a challenge for them, their family and others around them. Some behavioural issues will have become evident when the person with CP was younger. While it is important to seek support for them as early as possible, it is never too late to start working on changing behaviours for adults with CP.

It is important that adults with CP seek help from their GP or other members of their healthcare team to diagnose any potential behavioural or mental health concerns, so they can receive effective treatment and support.

There are ways to help improve mental health and behavioural issues, which take time, strength and commitment, but they can be effective.

Some techniques include:

• deep breathing and meditation
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• counselling.

There are also mental health and behavioural specialists who can assist adults with CP to cope with any mental health issues and learn to change challenging behaviours. This will help improve relationships and enhance quality of life.