- Access to opportunities of social inclusion help determine a person’s self-worth over the life-course
- Opportunities for social inclusion in school are much lower for people with disabilities - this increases isolation from the school community and society
- Those who do have social opportunities are more likely to actively volunteer and participate in group activities as they age


Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities

- Some of the most important life events happen during transitions,  with most occurring between the ages of 12-25
- A lack of education and communication between disabled youth and their parents has an impact on the quality of life transitions, especially puberty
- Many systemic barriers in education, medicine, and social welfare systems contribute heavily to the hardship of aging out of adolescence as a person with a disability
- People with disabilities in college have better developmental trajectories since education at that age is more individually driven and it is easier to cater to specific needs


Transitions in the Lives of Youth with Disabilities

Undoubtedly, type of disability plays a massive role in a person’s experience across the previously mentioned spheres. However, there are several challenges people of all disabilities face across the lifespan.

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Since most children with disabilities live into adulthood, a growing amount of research has been dedicated to analyzing the life course outcomes for these individuals. Studies show that while there are often more negative mental and physical health outcomes for individuals with disabilities, more and more people are experiencing similar life trajectories to their peers. This is due to similar opportunities with fulfilling age appropriate adult social roles and positive life experiences. 

Pathways Toward Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Mental Health for Youth with Disabilities

Gorter, J. W., Stewart, D., Smith, M. W., King, G., Wright, M., Nguyen, T., Freeman, M., & Swinton, M. (2014). Pathways toward positive psychosocial outcomes and Mental Health for Youth With Disabilities: A knowledge synthesis of developmental trajectories. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 33(1), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2014-005 

Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Mental Health for Youth with Disabilities Reference

- Children with disabilities, especially physical ones, are at higher risk of social isolation and lower community participation which can affect self-esteem and feeling of belonging amongst their peers and greater society
- They are more likely to participate in socially isolating activities 
- Children who have disabilities that limit the ability to physically go places have higher rates of mental health disorders


Risks for Youth with Disabilities

- Developmental trajectories are characterized by viewing individuals within their social, personal, generational, and cultural
- A key facet of this is understanding that a person’s development is on-going and ever changing - nobody stays exactly as they are as they age


Developmental Tracks and Youth with Disabilities

Common Issues Across Youth with Disabilities

The developmental trajectories of youth with disabilities is generally poorer than nondisabled youth. It is important to consider the interaction of environment and personal circumstance on mental health outcomes and developmental tracks. Opportunities, especially during times of transition, heavily influence developmental trajectory, with peer relationships and social inclusion being prominent factors as well. A growing amount of research shows that if provided the same opportunities for societal inclusion, people with disabilities will develop similarly to their peers.  

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