NCJ Number
122795
Date Published
Unknown
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Specific and implied correlations exist between learing disabled (LD) adolescents and juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language. An LD individual will show a discrepancy between ability and achievement in one or more of the following specific areas: oral expression, written expression, listening comprehension, basic reading skills, reading comprehension, math calculations, and math comprehension. Juvenile delinquents with learning disabilities may be placed in group or foster homes as a therapeutic rather than a punitive measure. It must be recognized that LD children have average to superior intelligence but perform academically far below this level. They may also experience exaggerated and frequent mood swings. Similarities exist between LD and juvenile delinquent children. Each group has a negative self-concept and a low frustration tolerance. Both have a higher male ratio, experience directional orientation problems, and have school difficulties starting in the primary grades. Both learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency seem to have no single cause and no single cure. State and Federal laws guarantee that all LD children must have free and appropriate public education available to them; suggestions to facilitate the care of learning disabled/delinquent youth are offered. 6 references.