This study examines the validity of the early and late start models of delinquency in adult offenders. Subjects were 180 adult maximum-security inmates who provided information regarding adult and juvenile criminal history, familial and childhood factors, and medical history. Significant differences were found between early starters, late starters, and nondelinquents for substance abuse, diagnoses of antisocial personality, childhood conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and childhood violence. Differences were also found in family history of criminality and substance abuse as well as childhood physical and sexual abuse. The utility of the early and late start models in identifying clinical issues in adult offenders is discussed.
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