Patterns of Perceptual Deficits in Academically Deficient Juvenile Delinquents

• NCJ Number: 70264
• Journal: Psychology in the Schools Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1979) Pages: 19-27
• Author(s): P W Zinkus; M I Gottlieb
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): R07-3230-78
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare; Hohenburg Charity Trust
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study of academically deficient juvenile offenders showed a need to treat multiple perceptual deficits at preschool age before they cause emotional problems and social maladjustment which can lead to crime.

Abstract

Patterns of perceptual deficits were investigated in 60 male offenders 13 to 18 years old who were either academically deficient or had adequate academic skills. Only subjects with average or above average intelligence were tested. Auditory perceptual deficits appeared to be a more significant factor in accounting for the severe academic deficiencies than did visual-perceptual deficits. However, multiple perceptual deficits involving both auditory and visual perceptual skills formed the basis of the majority of academic deficiencies and social maladaptation which led to delinquent behavior. Since learning disabilities are present when children enter the educational system as preschoolers, it is suggested that these children be diagnosed and treated as a crime prevention measure. Tabular data and 35 references are included. (Author abstract modified)