THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWNS-SYNDROME

This paper reports on the transition pathways to adult status of 35 yo ung adults with Down's syndrome over a six-year period (1987-93). Desp ite educational, social and employment legislation aimed at ensuring g reater integration into the community, qualitative and quantitative an alyses of 'quality of life' outcomes in this group produced a disappoi nting picture of a narrow range of leisure opportunities, negligible p lacement in employment, and continuing dependency on parental caregive rs in adulthood. Two case studies illustrate how, in the absence of an y improvement in opportunities for real integration into the community and in provision of resources to support meeting the special needs of those with learning difficulties, a marginalised group may be being c reated.