Introduction: Studies on transition to adulthood for persons with developmental disabilities largely include participants verbally able to take part in interviews or complete questionnaires. Self-report from persons with communication disorders are scarce, as are reports of data collection adaptations to include participants with such impairments. The objective of this study was to explore transition to adulthood for persons with cerebral palsy (CP), specifically focusing on communication.

Participants and Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was performed with 139 participants born 1979 - 1998 (74 males, 62 females, and 3 non-binary; mean age 30y 1mo). Transition to adulthood was assessed using the Rotterdam Transition Profile and associated with communication effectiveness, speech production, and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Results: Over 80 % of the participants reported the highest level of independence in the domains Employment and Education, Finances, and Housing. In other domains, for example Sexuality, and Service and Aids, less than 50 % reported the highest level of independence. Greater independence was associated with being an effective communicator in all domains. Impaired speech was significantly associated with less independence in all domains, except Finances. The use of AAC supported independence related to Leisure and Relationships.

Conclusions: Adults with communication disorders were less independent than adults with effective communication, however the use of AAC supported independence. This presentation will inform future directions of transition research as well as heighten healthcare workers' critical consciousness when supporting young persons with developmental disabilities and communication impairments on the pathway to adulthood.