Research Approaches to Studying the Link Between Learning Disabilities and Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

A relationship between learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency has been hypothesized for a period of time. Research on this relationship has been clouded with methodological difficulties. These problems include the definitions of learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency, the use of appropriate experimental designs, and the difficulty of obtaining informed consent in the court system. A current study through The University of Kansas Institute for Research in Learning Disabilities which is intervening with learning disabled youth in the juvenile court is described. Finally, key questions in the field are proposed with suggestion for future research.