A Longitudinal Study of Intellectually Gifted Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: Educational, Psychological, and Career Outcomes

Fifty-seven gifted deaf and hard of hearing people were followed longitudinally to determine their current educational, career, and mental health status. Of the 49 who were old enough for postsecondary schooling and for whom data were available, 86% attained some postsecondary education. Of these, 43% graduated from a four-year college and 18% attended graduate school. Of the 57 total cases, 39% experienced mental illness of a severity requiring either inpatient hospitalization or outpatient therapy. Occupationally, 33% of the total sample were in professional or supervisory roles, 18% were technicians or craftspeople, and a surprising 30% were unemployed. People with progressive and late-onset hearing losses had especially severe problems of adjustment and employment. Demographic data and a further breakdown of the above information are provided.