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Chapter 7: Disability at Developmental Stages: Adolescence (Ages 13–18) and Emerging Adulthood (Ages 19–25)

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826139238.0007

Abstract

This chapter covers the developmental stage of adolescence and a relatively recently conceptualized development stage of emerging adulthood, comprising a total of 12 years of life. It discusses topics such as crime and violence against individuals with disabilities, substance abuse among IWDs, the “thrills and chills” personality, and traumatic onset disabilities. While experiencing biological changes and gaining more individuation, adolescents and emerging adults begin vocational exploration, decide upon higher education, and initiate romantic, sexual relationships. For both adolescents with and without disabilities, body image and physical attractiveness become very important. Traumatic onset disabilities are more common during the adolescent years, and, in particular, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and alcohol and substance abuse are typically acquired in adolescence.