International Journal of Nursing Education

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Strategies for Transition of Adolescents with Intellectual Disabities into Adulthood


Affiliations
1 University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, South Africa
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Introduction: Transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood is a concern to caregivers and the society at large. Transition is still a challenge to health care and non-health care system. Studies on legal and ethical issues have been done regarding the care, treatment and treatment of adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Strategies for transitioning of these adolescents have not been given a priority.

Purpose: To develop strategies for transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood.

Method: A sequential exploratory mixed method was undertaken with 149 caregivers as participants informed the development of the strategies for transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Multiple data collection method including individuals interviews, focus group and survey questionnaires were used to arrive at the findings.

Results: Five main themes emerged from the analysis as transition possibility, the role of different stakeholders, the provision and development of working skills, caregivers’ knowledge and understanding of guidelines and alterations to adapt to changes.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the majority of caregivers working with adolescents with intellectual disabilities do not have the skill to effectively care for them. Hence, the developed strategies would provide caregivers with knowledge and skill to improve the care of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.


Keywords

Adolescents, Adulthood, Development, Intellectual Disabilities, Strategy, Transition.
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Read S, Cartlidge D. Critical reflection on end-of-life care for people with IDs: a single case study approach. Int J PalliatNurs. 2012; 18 (1): 23-27.

  • Bathgate KE, Sherriff JL, Leornard H, Dhaliwal SS, Delp EJ, Boushey CJ, Kerr DA. Feasibility of assessing diet with a mobile food record for adolescents and young adults with down syndrome. Nutrients. 2017; 9 (273):1-11

  • Uys L, Middleton L. Mental health a South African perspective. 6th ed. Cape Town: Juta; 2014.

  • Deroche CB, Holland MM, McDermott S, Royer JA, Hardin JW, Mann JR, Salzberg D, Ozturk O,Ouyang L. Development of a tool to describe overall health, social independence and activity limitation of adolescents and young adults with disability. Res Dev Disabil. 2015; 38:288-300.

  • Al-Yateem N, Docherty C. Transition: A concept of significance to nursing and health care professionals. J Nurs Educ Pract. 2015; 5:1-7.

  • Tugli AK, Zungu LI, Ramakuela NJ, Goon DT, Anyanwu FC. Perceived challenges of serving students with disabilities in a historically disadvantaged tertiary institution. South Africa. Afr J Physical health Educ, Recreat and Dance. 2013; (Supplement 1:2):346-355.

  • Vermeer P, Magyarszeky Z. Disability care in Africa community based rehabilitation in rural regions. 1st ed. Netherlands: VU University Press; 2014.

  • Wehmeyer ML, Palmer SB. Adult outcomes for students with cognitive disabilities three years after high school: The impact of self-determination. Educ Train Dev Disabil. 2003; 38: 131–144.

  • Shogren KA, Plotner AJ. Transition planning for students with intellectual disability autism or other disabilities: data from the National Longitudinal. Intellect Dev Disabil. 2012; 50 (1): 16-30.

  • Joly E. Integrating transition theory and bioecological theory: A theoretical perspective for nurses supporting the transition to adulthood for young people with medical complexity. J Adv Nurs. 2016; 72(6):1251-1262.


Abstract Views: 522

PDF Views: 0




  • Strategies for Transition of Adolescents with Intellectual Disabities into Adulthood

Abstract Views: 522  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Grace Rakgadi Malapela
University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, South Africa
Gloria Thupayagale-Tshweneagae
University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, South Africa

Abstract


Introduction: Transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood is a concern to caregivers and the society at large. Transition is still a challenge to health care and non-health care system. Studies on legal and ethical issues have been done regarding the care, treatment and treatment of adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Strategies for transitioning of these adolescents have not been given a priority.

Purpose: To develop strategies for transition of adolescents with intellectual disabilities into adulthood.

Method: A sequential exploratory mixed method was undertaken with 149 caregivers as participants informed the development of the strategies for transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Multiple data collection method including individuals interviews, focus group and survey questionnaires were used to arrive at the findings.

Results: Five main themes emerged from the analysis as transition possibility, the role of different stakeholders, the provision and development of working skills, caregivers’ knowledge and understanding of guidelines and alterations to adapt to changes.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the majority of caregivers working with adolescents with intellectual disabilities do not have the skill to effectively care for them. Hence, the developed strategies would provide caregivers with knowledge and skill to improve the care of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.


Keywords


Adolescents, Adulthood, Development, Intellectual Disabilities, Strategy, Transition.

References