As human beings, we all need to form connections with people to express feelings and emotions, share experiences, and feel good about ourselves. We all communicate with each other using a range of different actions, including speaking, using sounds, gesturing, body language, and facial expressions.

Throughout the school years, it is important that children and young people with CP can find ways to develop relationships with the people around them. Schools needs to be aware of the student’s CP and know how they can best support them to communicate effectively with their peers and teachers.

Children and young people with CP who do not speak or have limited speech become good at using their bodies to communicate, using skills such as sign language and gesturing. There are also many high-tech communication systems available to help improve communication, including touch screens, smart phones, iPads, speech-generating systems and electronic keyboards.

If you feel that your child or young person is struggling socially, talk to your healthcare team about what support is available and what you can do to help them connect successfully with others. A speech therapist may provide you with some useful communication tips and techniques.

Encourage your child or young person to join in activities that interest them at school and in your community. Ask them what they would like to be involved in or explore, such as art, sport, music and so much more, and look online for groups, classes or teams they can join. This will give them more opportunities to meet other young people and develop meaningful friendships.

Dating for young people with CP is similar to dating without physical challenges. It’s a process by which young people decide what type of person they would like to be with, and what feels right to them.

For young people with CP who are looking for romance, remind them about what they can bring to a relationship. Highlight their talents and abilities to help them overcome potential confidence issues. Ask them to think about what they feel is important, and what their favourite hobbies and activities are. They will have a better chance of having a successful romantic relationship if there are common interests.

This can be a good time to start talking to your young person about their sexual health. Their GP can provide advice about using the most effective and appropriate contraception and disease prevention, while a social worker or psychologist can give them information about consent, safe and protective behaviours, relationships, sexual wellbeing and self-esteem.

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