Transition into adulthood for young adults with disabilities is a major concern for families, advocates, and professionals. Through telephone interviews with 48 parents of young adults with mental and physical disabilities, this study examined some aspects of parent planning for adult needs and the relationship of that planning to family functioning. The greatest needs identified by parents were residential, socialization, and employment. There was a positive relationship between planning for adult needs and family functioning, and a positive relationship between using social supports in planning and family functioning. The results are discussed in terms of implications for professionals who work with families at this transition, and future research directions.
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