Noted researcher and psychologist, Paul Gerber,
Ph.D., has found the attributes of highly successful adults with
Learning Disabilities as:
- Desire
- Goal Orientation
- Reframing
- Persistence
- Goodness-of-fit
- Learned Creativity, and
- Social Ecology
Finding the social network of people who accept and support the
person with learning disabilities is very important. This social
network – at home, school and work, is a key to helping the
person become self-accepting. It should also include professionals
in mental health who understand Learning Disabilities and Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and can provide that professional
level of support.
With the movement towards self-acceptance, steps can be taken towards
the real solution – social acceptance. For until the general
public accepts Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder and accepts their manifestations as part of the normal
range of human experience, people with these disabilities will continue
to live under tremendous social and emotional stress. Internalization
of this stress can result in chronic social-emotional issues.
The Learning Disabilities Association sponsors local adult support
groups in a number of communities, and independent support groups
which form at the local level can gain strength and access to many
resources by aligning with local and state affiliates of the LDA.
Glenn Young
National Institute for Literacy |
