Young mentally handicapped adults in three London boroughs: prevalence and degree of disability.

Abstract

A survey of 282 young adults, mentally handicapped on an administrative definition, was undertaken in the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Hammersmith and Ealing [England, UK] between Oct. 1978-April 1980. The prevalence of mental handicap in the age group born between 1958-1963 was calculated and variations were shown between the 3 boroughs and within the borough of Ealing. The prevalence of severe mental handicap in this area apparently is not markedly different from rates found in other British studies but the administrative prevalence is inflated because numbers of mildly handicapped school leavers subsequently use the services for the mentally handicapped. Subjects were classified according to behavioral disabilities: young people in residential care were more likely to be severely incontinent, not literate and without speech but overall there was no relationship between degree of disability and placement in residential care.