Early Intervention Collaborative Study: Young Adulthood
Project Number: R40 MC 08956-02 Project Date: 2/1/2008 Grantee: Boston College Department/Center: Counseling, Dev/Ed Psych/Lynch School of Education
Final Report
Pending
Principal Investigator
Penny Hauser-Cram Ed.D., Professor, Boston College Counseling, Dev/Ed Psych/Lynch School of Education, 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467 hausercr@bc.edu
Abstract
This three-year investigation is a continuation of the Early Intervention Collaborative Study (EICS) of children and families who participated in early intervention services because of a child’s special needs (Down syndrome, motor impairment, developmental delay) identified before 24 months of age. This phase of the longitudinal non-experimental study will focus on the approximately 115-120 young adults with developmental disabilities as they turn age 23, a year after they have aged out of special education services. This is a time when three critical transitions are likely to occur: 1) from school to employment/postsecondary education; 2) from pediatric/adolescent to adult health care; and 3) from home to independent or group living. There are two general aims: 1) to determine practice and/or policy-relevant predictors of advantageous and deleterious patterns of trajectories of individuals with developmental disabilities and their parents as they progress from early childhood to young adulthood; and 2) to determine whether different types and satisfaction with post-school transitions enhance (or disrupt) the change in these trajectories. Seven hypotheses will be tested relevant to the two aims. The young adults, their parents(s) and one sibling will be asked to complete questionnaires and participate in direct assessments. Data will be analyzed using state-of-the art pattern analysis of trajectories and hierarchical linear models. This study addresses MCHB Strategic Research Issue IV in relation to conducting longitudinal studies of special populations and analyzing child, parent and family strengths; it also addresses Issue I in regards to health care transitions of children with special needs, and is responsive to Healthy People 2010 goals of producing findings to improve health and well-being of people with disabilities.
