This article discusses the viability of a systems model in working with learning disabled children in the schools. The systems approach provides a contextual perspective which incorporates both the school and the family when considering a child's learning disability. Research on families with a learning disabled child is reviewed. Family factors which facilitate adjustment of the learning disabled child are explored. Implications for assessment and intervention as well as prevention of dysfunction are presented.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Amerikaner, M., & Omizo, M. (1984). Family interaction and learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 17, 540–544.
2.
Anderson, C.W. (1981). The handicapped child's effects on parent child relations: A useful model for school psychologists. School Psychology Review, 10, 82–90.
3.
Fine, M.J., & Holt, P. (1983). Intervening with school problems: A family system's perspective. Psychology in the Schools, 20, 59–66.
4.
Freund, J.H., Bradley, R.H., & Caldwell, B.H. (1979). The home environment in the assessment of learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 2, 39–51.
5.
Friedman, R. (1978). Using the family school in the treatment of learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 11, 378–382.
6.
Golden, L. (1983). Brief family interventions in school settings. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 17(4), 288–293.
7.
Greenbaum, M.G., Hurwitz, I., Prentice, N.M., & Sperry, B.M. (1962). Fathers of sons with primary neurotic learning inhibitions. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 32, 462–472.
8.
Guerin, P.J. (Ed.). (1976). Family therapy: Theory and practice. New York: Gardner Press.
9.
Humphries, T.W., & Bauman, E. (1980). Maternal childrearing attitudes associated with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 13, 54–57.
10.
Jain, S., & Zimmerman, B.J. (1984). The learning disabled child and the family. Unpublished manuscript, Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
11.
Johnston, C.J. (1984). Educational therapy: Past perspective, current practices and a proposal for change. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 17, 200–203.
12.
Kaslow, F., & Cooper, B. (1978). Family therapy with the learning disabled child and his/her family. Journal of Marriage and Family Counseling, 4, 41–50.
13.
Kronick, D. (1973). A word or two about learning disabilities. San Raphael, Ca.: Academic Therapy Publications.
14.
McDaniel, S. (1981). Treating school problems in family therapy. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 15, 214–222.
15.
Miller, D.R., & Westman, J.C. (1964). Reading disability as a condition of family stability. Family Process, 3(1), 66–76.
16.
Minuchin, S. & Fishman, H.C. (1981). Family Therapy Techniques, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
17.
Neifert, J.E., & Gayton, W. (1973). Parents and home program approach in the remediation of learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 6, 85–89.
18.
Okun, B.F. (1984). Family therapy in the schools. In J.C. Hansen, & B.F. Okun (Eds.), Family therapy with school related problems (Pp. 1–12). Rockville, Maryland: Aspen System Corp.
19.
Peck, B.B. & Stackhouse, T.W. (1973). Reading problems and family dynamics. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 6, 506–511.
20.
Perosa, L. (1980). The development of a questionnaire to measure Minuchin's structural family concepts and the application of his psychosomatic family model to learning disabled families. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. State University of New York at Buffalo.
21.
Perosa, L.M. & Perosa, S.L. (1981). The school counselor's use of structural family therapy with learning disabled students. The School Counselor, 140–146.
22.
Selig, A.L., & Berdie, J. (1981). Assessing families with a developmentally delayed/handicapped child. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 2(4), 151–154.
23.
Silver, L.B. (1982). The child psychiatrist's role. In H.A. Solan (Ed.), The treatment and management of children with learning disabilities (Pp. 88–119). Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas Publisher.
24.
Silverman, J.S., & Fite, M.M. (1959). Clinical findings in reading disabled children: Special cases of intellectual inhibition. American Journal of Orthpsychiatry, 29(2), 298–314.
25.
Staver, N. (1953). The child's learning difficulties as related to the emotional problems of the mother. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 23, 131–140.
26.
Walsh, F. (Ed.) (1982). Normal family processes. New York: The Guilford Press.
