Social maturation. A challenge for handicapped and chronically ill adolescents

Adolescents who are disabled may develop excellent self-esteem if they feel supported by their families and can take advantage of opportunities to develop their own identity and independence. Their illness, and/or their reluctance to participate in peer and school activities, and/or their parents' inability to encourage optimal growth of their independence, may all discourage disabled adolescents from maturing into meaningful adulthood. Efforts should be focused on assisting disabled adolescents and their families to realize the full potential of the adolescent's social maturation.