A new leisure class. The effect of training in leisure-time occupations on ESN(S) school leavers

Many mentally handicapped teenagers may be faced with prolonged periods of leisure but few have been educated for a life of leisure. Reference is made to survey data on ESN(S) school leavers to illustrate some of the obstacles standing in the way of their constructive use of leisure time. A small scale intervention study is described involving a group of ESN(S) teenagers which resulted in their increased social interaction and activity levels in free choice periods at school and at home.