Life conditions of adolescents with myelomeningocele

Twenty six adolescents with myelomeningocele have been followed from birth: they comprise the whole population born with myelomeningocele between 1964 and 1967 in one Swedish medical district. 18 have severe physical handicaps, and although there are equal numbers of males and females, more females have severe handicaps, 22 of the 26 have been educated in normal schools (19 in normal classes), but learning difficulties are common. Three other adolescent are mildly mentally retarded and one is severely so. Only seven have complete urinary continence. 19 take part in leisure-time activities, but many felt they had poor social contact with their schoolmates and one in three were competent in activities of daily living. In general, self-concept was poor and many had inadequate knowledge about sexuality and the cause of their handicap. Recently established Handicapped Adult Teams have proved important in providing a link between the adolescent and public services dealing with health, education, employment and social services.