Adaptive Behavior of Children with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

This study compared the adaptive behavior of 114 learning disabled (LD) subjects with that of large, nationally representative normative samples of normal intelligence and mentally retarded children and youth. The adaptive behavior mean scores of the LD sample were found to be lower than mean scores obtained by the normal intelligence group, and higher than mean scores obtained by the mentally retarded group. In addition, mean scores in all five areas of adaptive behavior measured in the study were lower for secondary level LD subjects than for elementary level LD subjects. The author discusses possible interpretations of these results, and provides implications and recommendations for diagnosticians and teachers.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Brown, L. , & Leigh, J. (1986). Adaptive behavior inventory. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

Bryan, T.S (1982). Social skills of learning disabled children and youth: An overview. Learning Disability Quarterly, 65, 168–170.

Cartledge, G. , Stupay, D. , & Kaczala, C. (1986). Social skills and social perception of LD and non-handicapped elementary-school students. Learning Disability Quarterly, 65, 168–170.

Gresham, F. , & Reschly, D. (1986). Social skill deficits and low peer acceptance of mainstreamed learning disabled children. Learning Disability Quarterly, 65, 168–170.

Hallahan, D.P (1975). Comparative research studies on the psychological characteristics of learning disabled children. In W.M. Cruickshank & D.P. Hallahan (Eds.), Perceptual and learning disabilities in children: Psychoeducational practices (pp. 29–60). Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.

McKinney, J. , & Feagans, L. (1983). Adaptive classroom behavior of learning disabled students. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 65, 168–170.

National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities. (1982, February 21). Issues in the delivery of educational services to individuals with learning disabilities. Position paper. Baltimore: The Orton Dyslexia Society.

Newcomer, P. (1985). LD or not LD. Learning Disability Qiorterfy, 65, 168–170.

Okolo, C. , & Sitlington, P. (1986). The role of special education in LD adolescents' transition from school to work. Learning Disability Quarterly, 65, 168–170.

10.

Sattler, J.M (1982). Assessment of children's intelligence and special abilities (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

11.

Wechsler, D. (1974). Manual for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corp.

12.

Wetter, C. , Strawser, S. , & Buchanan, M. (1985). Adaptive behavior Designator of a continuum of severity of learning disabled individuals. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 65, 168–170.

13.

White, W. , Schumaker, J. , Warner, M. , Alley, G , & Deshler. D. (1980). The current status of young adults identified as learning disabled during their school career (Research Report No. 21). Lawrence: University of Kansas, Institute for Research in Learning Disabilities.

14.

Witt, J. , & Martens, B. (1984). Adaptive behavior: Tests and assessment issues. School Psychology Review, 65, 168–170.