The Current Status of Young Adults Identified as Learning Disabled During Their School Career

Abstract

Research efforts in the field of learning disabilities (LD) have addressed primarily concerns within school settings; however, if learning disabilities are more than a school phenomenon, researchers and educators must begin to examine the effects of these disabilities on post-school adjustment. This study sought to examine among learning disabled and non-learning disabled (NLD) young adults a broad array of factors known to be indicative of personal, social, and vocational success . The results indicate that the LD young adults sampled appear to be adjusting as well as the NLD sample in a number of important areas (e.g., getting and maintaining employment, having friends, etc.) . However, LD young adults reported they were significantly less satisfied with their employment situation and their contacts with parents and relatives. They were much less involved in recreational and social activities and few had plans for further education and training. Implications of these trends on the life adjustment of, and research efforts related to, LD young adults are discussed.