Obstacles to the transition to adulthood of people with severe to profound intellectual disability and potential solutions: Perspectives of professionals in one region of Quebec

ABSTRACT

Background

Planning the transition to adulthood of youth with severe to profound intellectual disability (ID) requires professionals from different institutions to work together. However, there are few studies in the literature that focus on professionals involved in this transition.

Method

This study documented factors impacting the transition to adulthood of youth with severe to profound ID and potential solutions from the perspective of professionals from different sectors involved in transition planning, using individual interviews.

Results

The absence of clear markers to guide professionals, lack of system navigator and recognition of rehabilitation potential of individuals with severe to profound ID were some of the obstacles experienced by professionals. They felt helpless facing the distress of families.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the factors that, from the professionals’ perspective, impact this transition could help to foster intersectoral collaboration between the many professionals involved and guide future initiatives to develop relevant and realistic solutions.

KEYWORDS:

• Severe to profound intellectual disability
• transition to adulthood
• professionals
• obstacles
• solutions

Acknowledgement

We wish to thank the rehabilitation centre for intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec for its financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. All authors approved the manuscript and agree to the order of authors as listed on the title page.

Notes

1 Definition of system navigator: “[…] person responsible for ensuring the planning, coordination, continuity and integration of care and services. […] supports, advises individuals and families, and involves them in decisions that concern them” (free translation) (MSSS, 2017)

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Rehabilitation centre for intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec.