Age Differences in a Sample of State Vocational Rehabilitation Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: To examine the relations among age, neuropsychological functioning, and vocational rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Study Design and Participants: Prospective study of 78 adults (18-57 years) who qualified for services with the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), based on a history of TBI followed from enrollment to case closure. Group differences based on age were examined for neuropsychological and vocational outcome with multivariate analysis of variance and nonparametric methods. Main Outcome Measures: Neuropsychological test data and DVR data regarding vocational placement. Results: Age-related differences were present for a measure of mental flexibility, isolated demographic characteristics, and I DVR service category. Contrary to hypotheses, there were no age-related differences in vocational outcome. Conclusions. In contrast to hospital-based samples, age does not appear to be a negative indicator for individuals admitted to a state DVR program.