A transition-age youth with a disability keeps changing career interests while exploring identity, peer belonging, and independence—typical late-adolescent development. How should the rehab counselor apply human growth and development knowledge?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Teens try on hats—that’s development, not defiance. Identity shopping in late adolescence is normal, disability or not. Keep goals youth-led and flexible instead of locking year-one job titles in concrete.
Full Explanation
Human growth and development knowledge helps counselors interpret identity exploration and shifting vocational interests as expected late-adolescent processes rather than resistance. Transition planning should remain collaborative and flexible while still structured toward progressive experiences. Pathologizing normal developmental exploration or forcing premature lifelong occupational lock-in undermines engagement and age-appropriate autonomy.