Functioning and post-school transition outcomes for young people with Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Transitioning from school to post-school occupations is a critical period for young adults with Down syndrome.
• Understanding factors influencing employment and engagement is vital for improving life outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between daily functioning and post-school day occupations in young adults with Down syndrome.
• To identify predictors of successful post-school engagement.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 269 young adults with Down syndrome (aged 15-30) in Western Australia participated.
• Questionnaires assessed participant characteristics, family functioning, and post-school occupation (open employment, training, sheltered employment, alternatives to employment).
• Data from 203 families (75% response rate) were analyzed, with 164 young adults having completed schooling.

Main Results:

• Post-school occupations included open employment (n=42), training (n=17), sheltered employment (n=64), and alternatives to employment (n=41).
• Improved self-care, community, and communication skills were associated with higher likelihoods of open employment and/or Technical and Further Education.
• Health status (GP visits, hospitalizations) showed a weak association with post-school occupation type.

Conclusions:

• Functioning in activities of daily living is significantly related to post-school occupation for young adults with Down syndrome.
• While health status has a weak relationship, daily functioning appears to be a key determinant of post-school engagement and employment.