| Abstract: | Discusses previously held misconceptions about learning disabilities in childhood and their effects on subsequent adolescent and adult development. As a result of these misconceptions, learning disabled children were often told at the time of diagnosis that they were likely to spontaneously outgrow their affliction before reaching adulthood. Follow-up studies have shown this not to be true, and many adults are now presenting with a variety of emotional problems either directly or indirectly related to their learning disabilities. Obstacles to the development of normal interpersonal relationships at school and in the family are described. The effects of this impaired development on adult functioning and the types of problems that typically result are outlined. Modifications of traditional psychotherapy techniques that have helped to assure successful treatment of this type of patient and the case example of an 18-yr-old learning disabled male are presented. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
