Severe developmental disability and the transition to adulthood

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Developmental disabilities are chronic conditions with limited research on outcomes during the critical transition to adulthood.
• Support systems available in childhood often diminish, leaving young adults vulnerable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between serious developmental disabilities and health, behaviors, and well-being in adulthood.
• To identify disparities faced by individuals with developmental disabilities as they transition to adulthood.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (1968-2017), including its Child Development Supplement and Transition into Adulthood Supplement.
• Followed a national sample from childhood through age 28, defining developmental disabilities through multiple sources.
• Employed statistical analyses including Chi-square tests and logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Main Results:

• At ages 18-21, 8.2% of the sample had serious developmental disabilities.
• Compared to peers without disabilities, those with developmental disabilities were significantly more likely to lack high school graduation, experience physical or sexual assault, face criminal arrests, smoke, be sedentary, obese, have diabetes, and report work disability.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight critical areas for intervention and support during the transition to adulthood for individuals with serious developmental disabilities.
• Promoting education, self-direction, safety, and overall well-being is essential for this population.