Facing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Years

by Shapiro, Joan; Rich, Rebecca

• ISBN13: 9780195113358
• ISBN10: 0195113357
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-09-09
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Between five and eleven million individuals in this country struggle with learning disabilities throughout adulthood, and it is estimated that two to three percent of incoming college freshman are learning disabled. In fact, learning-disabled adults are the fastest growing population of disabled university students. But unlike in the past, learning disabilities are now well understood, and there is a great deal of help available for the disabled--if they can find it. Written in a readable and friendly style, Adults With Learning Disabilities is an invaluable resource not only for learning disabled adults, but also highschool and college students with learning disabilities, parents, professionals across disciplines, and the lay public. Here is the most up-to-date information on the causes and symptoms of learning disabilities, specific conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, a review of definitions, an update of research and advances in the neurosciences, assessment and intervention, pertinent legal issues, making college and employment plans, the role of professionals, and much more. The authors review metacongnitive theory and emphasize the role of strategic approaches to learning both in and out of school. Clinical examples make a compelling case that individuals with learning disabilities can--and do--attain significant levels of success. New research consistently demonstrates that access to information and knowledge about learning disabilities is essential for success and self-fulfillment. Written by educators with extensive experience, this book offers a rigorous, comprehensive treatment of the field of learning disabilities.

Author Biography

Joan Shapiro holds a Doctoral Degree and an M.ED in Special Education as well as a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Reading from Teachers College, Columbia University. Previously an Associate Professor of Education at Marymount Manhattan College, she codeveloped and directed the Ruth Smadbeck Communication and Learning Center for children and adolescents and the program for college students with learning disabilities. Now in private practice, she lives in Manhattan. Rebecca Rich holds a Doctoral Degree in Special Education as well as a Masters Degree in both Reading and Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is Associate Professor of Education, Director of the program for students with learning disabilities and Director of Special Education at Manhattanville College. She lives in Purchase, New York.

Table of Contents

Introduction	3	(7)
What is a Learning Disability?	10	(10)
What Causes a Learning Disability?	20	(9)
How We Process Information	29	(9)
The Right Diagnosis	38	(15)
Dyslexia	53	(11)
The Challenge of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics	64	(14)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder	78	(15)
Psychosocial Factors	93	(13)
Educational Interventions	106	(19)
Learning Disabilities and Higher Education	125	(11)
Learning Disabilities and Employment	136	(10)
Vocational Rehabilitation	146	(5)
Interviews with Adults with Learning Disabilities	151	(14)
Conclusion	165	(10)
Appendix A Legislation and Court Cases Pertaining to Learning Disabilities	175	(10)
Appendix B Related Professionals	185	(3)
Appendix C Selected Tests Used for Older Adolescents and Adults	188	(2)
Appendix D Professional Organizations and Agencies	190	(4)
Appendix E Guides for College Planning	194	(1)
Appendix F Professional Journals	195	(2)
Glossary	197	(10)
References	207	(4)
Index	211