Voices of Korean Youth with Developmental Disabilities: Transition to Adulthood

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Disability Development and Education

DOI

10.1080/1034912X.2025.2543247

Abstract

Studies worldwide show that transition-age youth (TAY) with developmental disabilities (DD) experience multifaceted challenges in various transition domains. In South Korea, these challenges are mainly reported by parents and/or professionals, resulting in the voices of TAY with DD being underrepresented. This study seeks to bring these relatively unheard voices to the forefront of disability research and to better understand how to support their transition experiences. Sixteen TAY with DD living with families in South Korea participated in semi-structured online interviews. Participants ranged in age from 17 to 24 years (mean = 20.2). The types of disability were intellectual disability (n = 7), autism spectrum disorder (n = 6) or both (n = 3). The thematic analysis yielded the following four main themes and sub-themes: (1) daily living skills: a work in progress; (2) relationship development and social skills: yet to be achieved; (3) self-reliance and readiness for independent adulthood: still a long way to go (e.g. lack of understanding of independence); and (4) felt needs for a thriving future. Our findings suggest ways to improve and expand community-based programs and promote a more inclusive society for TAY with DD and their families.

Keywords

developmental disabilities, South Korea, transition experiences and challenges, Transitional youth, voices of TAY with DD

Department

Social Work

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