NCJ Number
84683
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 7-13
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The study focuses on the existence of learning disabilities (LD's) in 40 juvenile delinquents (JD's) detained in Bernalillo County, N. Mex., and the prevalence of LD within the general State public school population.
Abstract
In contrast to previous studies, the present investigation identified LD subjects on the basis of adherence to specific definitional components, including manifestation of average to above average intelligence, exhibiting discrepancy between intellectual ability and academic achievement, manifesting disorders in one or more of the basic psychological processes, and evidence of learning problems attributed to environmental disadvantage. Each subject completed a diagnostic battery of nine psychometric instruments. Study results do not support the contention that most juvenile delinquents exhibit learning disabilities. In addition, the four distinct delinquent subgroups identified through clinical and empirical processes refute the contention that juvenile delinquents are a relatively homogeneous group. Results indicated no significant difference between the prevalence of LD's in the sample and in the New Mexico public school population when age was held constant. Tables and a 52-entry bibliography are provided.