Mentally handicapped adolescents: their use of leisure

An investigation into national provision for leisure-time activities for severely mentally handicapped adolescents and a survey of 214 families yielded the information that although national provision appeared to be reasonably comprehensive, this was not reflected in the restricted use of leisure locally. The young people involved in the survey mainly participated in solitary, passive activities which were family orientated with the exception of attendance at Special clubs. It is suggested that the following factors contribute to this present state of affairs: Firstly, the attitude of patients who have so fully accepted their role as sole providers of care and recreation that they are unaware of the long-term consequences or "problems" in this area; Secondly, it is suggested that the lack of local friendships outside the school environment restricts the development of social activities; Thirdly, that lack of basic skills further restricts the choice of activities open to these young people.