Funding outcome

Pediatric stroke includes brain injuries during the perinatal or childhood period and presents unique challenges. Many pediatric stroke survivors experience lifelong disability. Children with perinatal and childhood stroke have been identified to have a lower health-related quality of life, particularly in areas of physical functioning and emotional well-being. The transition from childhood to adulthood brings into play dramatic changes to both the stroke survivor and their family. The child with a disability, particularly a stroke, now moves from the safety of their parental oversight to a world that may not be as forgiving. How do they cope with this change, and how can we as parents and the health care system then better prepare them for this future? There is limited research regarding how quality of life shifts for survivors of childhood stroke, as they enter adulthood with new independence and goals. It is important to recognize the possible impact of childhood stroke on education, employment, relationships, and family planning as individual matures. This study will help identify potential gaps in medical care and psychosocial needs that may be unique to this population. This study will also help families who have a child with stroke, who often just want to know what their lives could look like down the road. Results of this study will help set up perinatal and childhood stroke survivors with greater independence in adulthood. Aim Characterize the health-related quality of life of adults who have experienced a perinatal or childhood stroke. 1. How have they adapted to independence? 2. What are their educational opportunities and are they able to integrate into the workforce? Are they provided with the same opportunities as the general population? 3. How are these individuals coping with sexuality and development of relationships? 4. How do they navigate in their environment?