Careers of mentally retarded young persons: services, jobs, and interpersonal relations

Life histories and follow-up data at age 22 were obtained for a total city population of children classified as mentally retarded (index cases). Histories were also obtained at age 22 from matched comparisons who at no time had been classified as retarded. Matching was on age, sex, and social background. Placement at school-leaving age and major occupation at age 22 were reported for the index population. Those 22-year-old index cases not receiving mental retardation services and their matched comparisons were examined on objective and subjective measures of the jobs they held and selected indicators of interpersonal relationships.