They were doing just about as well as children born of normal birth weight. A similar number were employed and education levels were similar.

They were doing just about as well as children born of normal birth weight. A similar number were employed and education levels were similar.

What we found, to our pleasant surprise, was that extremely low-birth-weight babies - although one-quarter have disabilities - at young adulthood seem to have adapted fairly well.

What we found, to our pleasant surprise, was that extremely low-birth-weight babies -- although one-quarter have disabilities -- at young adulthood seem to have adapted fairly well.

Children who appear disabled at 2 or 3 are not necessarily doomed to a lifetime of disability. These young adults were able to achieve much more than we expected.

Parents should be hopeful that with intervention, children can adapt and show improvement and function well in society.