Children with developmental delays twenty years later: where are they? How are they?

Am J Ment Retard. 2004 May;109(3):219-30. doi: 10.1352/0895-8017(2004)109<219:CWDDTY>2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

Data from parents and young adults were collected as part of a 20-year follow-up of children with developmental delays who had been identified at age 3 years. The young adults and their parents provided information through questionnaires and personal interviews. Findings documented a broad range of outcomes, with some young adults leading independent and productive lives, whereas the majority were un- or underemployed, living with and financially dependent upon their families, and socially isolated. Three types of parent-young adult relationships were identified. For both parents and young adults, IQ was significantly and negatively related to perceived life satisfaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology
  • Educational Status
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution
  • Surveys and Questionnaires