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Preventing Mental Health Problems in Older Adolescents And Adults
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
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
Phone (412) 341-1515 Fax (412) 344-0224
www.LDAAmerica.org
© 2004 LDA of America