The home and community adjustment of 325 families with developmentally disabled children 21 years of age or younger was examined through questionnaire responses. Factors facilitating adjustment are identified along with barriers to normalization. It is suggested that without community support over the life cycle, institutionalization may merely be postponed from childhood to adulthood. Conclusions focus on the changes necessary in community attitudes and resources to prevent institutionalization of these children as they reach adulthood. (Author/CL)