Transition of Disabled Immigrant Adolescents and Young Adults into Adulthood: A Qualitative Study

The transition to adulthood is a critical developmental period for adolescents and young adults, yet little is known about how it is experienced by disabled immigrant youth. This exploratory qualitative study examines the lived experiences of disabled immigrant adolescents and young adults in Norway as they navigate the transition to adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants aged 17–25, and the data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five interrelated themes were developed: language, identity, and belonging; friendship formation and social inclusion; education and employment; aspirations and pathways to independent adulthood; and negotiating autonomy within family relationships. The findings suggest that the transition to adulthood is not a linear progression, but a dynamic and co-constructed process shaped by the interplay of individual, familial, and broader social and structural factors. Participants expressed aspirations for belonging, autonomy, education, employment, and meaningful adult roles while also encountering social exclusion, limited peer networks, institutional barriers, and ongoing parental involvement. The study provides exploratory insights into how disability and immigrant background intersect to shape everyday pathways to adulthood, influencing opportunities for participation and inclusion.