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Mental Health

What Parents Need to Know to Help Children with Learning Disabilities Become Successful Adults: Introduction

The Frostig Center in Pasadena, California conducted a twenty-year longitudinal study into attributes that might predict life success for children with learning disabilities. Their fundamental question was “What factors contribute to success for individuals with learning disabilities?” Success was broadly defined to include quality friendships, healthy family relations, positive self-esteem, job satisfaction, physical and mental health, financial independence, spiritual fulfillment, and an overall sense of meaning in life. Their research revealed six life success attributes: 1) self-awareness, 2) proactivity, 3) perseverance, 4) goal-setting, 5) presence and use of support systems, and 6) emotional coping strategies. The research also indicated these six attributes might have a greater influence on life success than even such factors as academic achievement, socio-economic status, gender, and even intelligence quotient (IQ).

The following "Information Sheets" explore these attributes and suggest strategies for development.

• Self-Awareness
  
• Proactivity and Perseverance
  
• Goal-Setting and Support Systems
  
• Emotional Coping Strategies
  

LDA of America Mental Health Committee 2009