The Adoescents with Learning Probems

Abstract

In a sense, adolescents with learning problems are at the end of the learning disability gauntlet. Often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and ineffectually treated, they are already battered and bruised by the time they enter the stormy adolescent years. After years of frustrating underachievement and failure, it is hardly surprising that they end up with serious personality problems or psychiatric symptoms, often becoming dropouts or frequent attcnders in juvenile courts. An attempt is made here to understand the manifestations of learning disabilities in this age group. A developmental approach is advocated, with special emphasis upon the child in the total society. Learning disabilities are seen as being basically societal problems, fostered by the society which has created an educational system which often fails to educate. Some practical suggestions are made for helping adolescents with learning problems, and possible approaches to meaningful prevention are discussed.