Post-High School Transition Outcomes for Young Adults With Down Syndrome

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2022 Mar 1;127(2):135-148. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.2.135.

Abstract

There is limited available research on the post-high school outcomes of young adults with Down syndrome (DS). The purpose of this study, therefore, was to characterize employment, community-based living, and community engagement outcomes and their correlates among young adults with DS who recently transitioned out of high school. Caregivers (n = 100) of young adults with DS who exited high school within the past 5 years completed an online survey. Approximately half of the individuals with DS were working in some capacity; almost all were living with caregivers. Individuals with DS were engaging in a variety of community activities each week. Adaptive functioning was related to both employment and community engagement. Parent involvement in transition planning was also related to community engagement.

Keywords: Down syndrome; community engagement; community-based living; employment; transition.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Down Syndrome*
  • Employment
  • Humans
  • Schools
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult