Shari,
There ARE no other adult outcome studies for EBD that ask the types of questions we did ( which is why we asked.) Most other studies will give graduation rates and later employment rates, sometimes incarceration rates, but we were looking for REASONS in differences in outcomes, which range from very good (one adult with a graduate degree (who is 29 by the way) and several college graduates.) These are among those who we believe would be indistinguishable from the "typical" same aged person. We also counted full time employment as a very good outcome when combined with financial independence. College isn't for everyone.
What is clear, however, is that despite the huge efforts and supports supplied by families, some adults are very unsuccessful. It is very sad, but if you follow the PE board, you know it is true.
No retrospective study can establish causality, but we were trying to get at "what made the difference in outcome, after we established that there was a difference.
In my research fantasy life, I would like to ask the same questions in 5 years of these parents because a number of the EBD adults in this sample are a bit too young to consider the outcome as in any way finished. That will not be possible, however, because we do not know who the respondents are and have no way to contact each person individually.
Thanks for the question,
Martie