This study explored the thoughts of emerging adults with Down syndrome on quality of life and subjective well-being. Eight 22-year-olds participated in interviews. Data was analysed with content analysis. Four themes were revealed: Work based on interest and capability, having an active and social leisure life, a safe place to live and the use of information and communication technology. Two context related patterns were identified showing that quality of life and subjective well-being were related to individualised support to enhance independency in work, social leisure and place of living. Knowledge of their perception of independency and their awareness of needing customised help and support is valuable. This study supports the proposed emerging Quality of Life Supports Paradigm in the field of intellectual disabilities, which integrates key concepts of quality of life and supports.

This article reports the actual participation in leisure activities by a sample of Norwegian adolescents with Down syndrome aged 14. Representing a first generation to grow up in a relatively inclusive context, they live with their families, attend mainstream schools, and are part of common community life. Leisure information was obtained in individual, structured parent interviews, and added to existing longitudinal data from a project following the sample. Generally, the leisure activity may be viewed as varying along a continuum-reaching from formal, organized, and assisted activity participation outside home, to informal, self-organized, and independent participation at home. Formal leisure activities were either organized "for all" or "adapted for disabled." The adolescents' leisure appears as active and social. However, social participation largely involved parents and family, while socializing with other adolescents mainly took place within formal activities adapted for disabled. Clearly, formal and informal activities provide rather different opportunities for social encounters and assistance.

Background A first generation of adolescents with Down syndrome have grown up in Norway's inclusive society. This study explored their friendships and social leisure participation, mainly as it is reflected through their subjective experience. Method The analysis is based on qualitative interviews and observations of 22 teens aged 17 years. Results Generally, the adolescents described their social life as rich and varied, occurring in several contexts with different companions. Their thoughts of friendships were quite extensive, also including less close relationships. Three main contextual patterns of social participation were revealed: (a) the family at home pattern, (b) the peer group pattern and (c) the arranged company pattern. The relationship between the national policy on social inclusion and these findings is discussed. Conclusion To understand the barriers and opportunities in the social life of Norwegian adolescents with Down syndrome, it is essential to acknowledge the extent of their experiences with friendship and the characteristics of their social participation patterns.