Examining Growth Among College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Inclusive postsecondary education programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are proliferating across the United States. Although college can be a formative time for any student, there has been limited research on the growth that college students with IDD may experience during their time on campus. We address this gap by using a longitudinal design to examine the adaptive behavior, self-determination, executive functioning, and social skills of college students with IDD across three points in time—upon initial entry into the program, at the end of their first year, and at the end of their second year. Analyses suggested significant improvements in adaptive behavior and self-determination across the first year of the program. We offer recommendations for research and practice aimed at documenting and promoting growth for students with IDD throughout their collegiate experience.

Self-Determination Development Among College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Longitudinal Study

“…Self-determined behaviors are an integral piece of independent living and correlate with high quality-of-life outcomes (Nota et al, 2007; Wehman, 2013). IPSE programs continue to demonstrate that they positively impact self-determination levels (C. E. Lee et al, 2021).…”

“…There are many opportunities on college campuses to engage in self-determined behavior, such as choosing classes, navigating the campus, and participating in social activities (Schillaci et al, 2021). Although we know the importance of engaging in self-determined behavior, limited research exists to identify the long-term effect of IPSE programs on self-determination growth (C. E. Lee et al, 2021; Schillaci et al, 2021).…”

“…Two recent studies provided evidence for the positive impact of IPSE programs on self-determination skills. In the first study, researchers evaluated the growth in student self-determination over the span of 2 years of enrollment in an IPSE program (C. E. Lee et al, 2021).…”

“…Two recent studies provided evidence for the positive impact of IPSE programs on self-determination skills. In the first study, researchers evaluated the growth in student self-determination over the span of 2 years of enrollment in an IPSE program (C. E. Lee et al, 2021). Using the Arc Self-Determination Scale, they found that students displayed significant growth over the first year of enrollment in the program.…”

“…The experiences faced by undergraduate students on college campuses encourage social skill growth and deepen one's ability to understand and relate to one's peers (Oreopoulos & Petronijevic, 2013). Aside from the intellectual and social growth experienced, the college also prepares young adults to enter the workforce through employability skill training, internships, and by providing opportunities to practice soft skills needed for community integration, such as time management and interpersonal skills (C. E. Lee et al, 2021). However, not all students can easily access colleges and other institutions of higher education.…”