Everyone needs to be able to form relationships, express feelings and emotions, and have their needs met. 

We all communicate with each other using a range of different actions, including speaking, using sounds, gesturing, body language and facial expressions.

If you feel you are struggling socially and finding it a bit hard to form or maintain relationships, talk to your healthcare team about what support is available, and what you can do to be able to connect successfully with others. It may help to see a speech therapist, who can provide communication tips and techniques, and talk to you about the latest communication technology and equipment that might assist you.

Starting a new job or changing jobs can provide the opportunity to form good relationships with others and be successful in your role. It is a good idea to talk to your employer about what you might need put in place to help you to be successful. An occupational therapist can play a role by preparing you for a specific job and recommending required modifications to create an accessible work environment.

In your leisure time, consider joining groups and activities that interest you in your community. Think about what you would like to be involved in or explore, such as art, sport, music and much more, and look online for groups, classes or teams you can join. This will give you more opportunities to meet other people and develop meaningful friendships or romantic connections.

Dating for adults with CP is similar to dating without physical challenges. It’s a process by which you decide what type of person you would like to be with, and what feels right for you. If you find your confidence is a bit low, remember all the positive things about yourself, and your talents and abilities, that you bring to a relationship. It can help to talk to your friends and family about what they admire about you.

Sexuality can be difficult to explore, especially if you have increased mobility, personal care or complex communication needs. CP can cause physical and psychological problems when it comes to having sex and being or feeling sexual.

Don’t let embarrassment stop you from asking questions or seeking support about this very private issue. It is really important that you have all the right information to to help you make good decisions. It can be hard to know who to seek support from or that there are possible strategies that could help you.

Talk to your healthcare team about your sexual health:

• Your GP can provide advice about using the most effective and appropriate contraception and disease prevention.
• A social worker or psychologist can provide you with information about consent, safe and protective behaviours, relationships, sexual wellbeing and self-esteem.
• An occupational therapist can advise you about modifications or equipment to use for a healthy sexual life.
• Physiotherapists, and to some extent speech pathologists, may also be able to support you with the physical aspects of having a fulfilling and active sex life.

If you are considering having a baby, it is important that you are prepared as possible and know what to expect. Parenthood can be a physically and emotionally challenging time for anyone. A good network of family, friends and your healthcare team can support you during this phase of your life.

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. This is no different for women with CP, though there may be a few extra things that need to be considered.

Your healthcare team can provide information, advice and support, as well as referrals to specialists, such as an obstetrician or gynaecologist, before, during and after your pregnancy and birth.

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.