A review of the approaches investigating the post-16 transition of young adults with learning difficulties

Abstract

Investigations into the lives and transition from compulsory schooling of young adults with a disability, including a learning difficulty (LD), are increasing. The emerging consensus is one which points to this group of young people experiencing greater difficulties and poorer outcomes compared to the general population. How these investigations have been conducted, including the research designs adopted, has received less attention. This is important as research designs influence what is known and understood. The aim of the present study was to review how empirical studies published in Europe over a 10-year period have conceptualised and researched transition for young adults with LDs. The findings show that the post-16 transition for this group of young adults remains under researched and that a variety of research approaches and data collection methods are used. Despite some overlap in how transition has been conceptualised, diversity exists with respect to the elements of transition examined. This article concludes with recommendations for how future studies might build on the strengths of current research approaches in order to provide a more holistic and nuanced account of the lives of this group of young adults.

Keywords:

• transition
• disability
• young adulthood
• review
• learning difficulties
• special educational needs

Notes on contributor

Catherine Carroll lectures in SEN and her specific research interests include transition into adulthood, language, literacy and communication and interaction difficulties. She was a teacher in mainstream and specialist settings for 20 years and continues to undertake SEN consultancy in a range of settings.