Dependency and family care of young adults with disabilities

This paper presents findings on the independence skills of young adults with severe disabilities obtained in a recent survey. Most young people in the sample were heavily dependent on others for help with personal care and mobility. Many also required a considerable amount of supervision because of severe behaviour disturbance. The main burden of daily care was borne by the young adults' mothers. Suggestions are made for fostering independence in self-care and wider social skills.