ABSTRACT
We report on a 20-year follow-up of 30 children with developmental delays identified at age 3. Our purpose was to assess the relationship of early indicators of delay to cognitive and personal-social status in young adulthood. Predictors were Developmental and Personal-Social factors derived from standardized tests and parent questionnaires administered when the children were 3 and 6 to 7. Outcome measures in young adulthood included standardized and project-developed questionnaires and interviews with young adults and parents. Findings indicate that prediction varies relative to the outcome assessed. Developmental status at 6 to 7 was a strong predictor of developmental status in young adulthood. However, personal-social outcomes were generally not predicted by Personal-Social factors in the early years.
Subject(s)
Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Social Adjustment , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Child, Preschool , Conduct Disorder/diagnosis , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intelligence , Interview, Psychological , Language Development Disorders/diagnosis , Male , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Prognosis , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
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.
