As the field of learning disabilities begins to discover the manifold issues of adulthood, there is a need for a framework for studying adults with learning disabilities. Currently, the research on adults focuses primarily on service delivery systems. If a life-span developmental perspective is utilized as a conceptual approach in future research, then the knowledge gained will be more meaningful. Considerations for incorporating such essential concepts as mediating variables, context, and age-span phases into research on adults with learning disabilities are discussed.
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