Longitudinal investigation of the post-high school transition experiences of adolescents with traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To describe outcomes for youth with traumatic brain injury (TBI) transitioning from high school to adulthood.


METHODS
Longitudinal design using univariate and multivariate analyses, including survival analysis to predict time to outcomes of interest and longitudinal growth modeling to evaluate factors that predict rates and levels of outcomes over time.


METHODS
: employment, post-secondary education, and independent living status.


METHODS
Eighty-nine youth and young adults (aged 19-25 years) with TBI (19 mild-moderate TBI and 70 severe TBI).


RESULTS
Individuals entering adulthood following childhood TBI experienced fluctuations in rates of employment, enrollment in post-secondary education, and independent living. A higher likelihood of being enrolled in post-secondary education following graduation from high school was associated with being female, later age at injury, and higher socioeconomic status. Overall greater likelihood of employment was associated with higher socioeconomic status, while employment upon high school graduation was associated with more severe injury and lack of rehabilitations services. Greater likelihood of independent living was associated with later age at injury and nonreceipt of rehabilitation services, while shorter time until independent living was associated with less severe injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of how specific factors affect transition outcomes can be used to tailor transition interventions and resources to the needs of students with TBI. Findings related to special education and medical rehabilitation services should be interpreted with caution as the criteria for receipt of both types of services and the links between such services and functional outcomes are unclear.
Todis
Bonnie
B
The Teaching Research Institute (Drs Todis, Glang and Ettel, and Mr Hood) and College of Education, University of Oregon (Dr Bullis), Eugene, Oregon 97401, USA. todisb@wou.edu
Glang
Ann
A
Bullis
Michael
M
Ettel
Deborah
D
Hood
Donald
D
D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D000367:Age Factors; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012917:Social Adjustment; D055815:Young Adult