On Reaching Adulthood

Abstract

To let the intellectually handicapped people to get into society and become part of it, they need to have a life project, a concept of themselves, and a clear identity. It will make possible to accept the difficulties, to discover their potentials and reinforce their self-esteem. Building identity does not end in adolescence, it lasts for the whole life.

Adulthood has more external demands, particularly if the person is working in ordinary jobs, and it gets less internal support. In adulthood, persons with intellectual handicaps still need to know themselves, to be satisfied with what they are doing, to be able to choose, and feel socially valued.