NCJ Number
98638
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1985) Pages: 21-29
Date Published
1985
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A critical review of research into the relationship between learning disability (LD) and juvenile delinquency (JD) and the effects of remediation of learning handicaps in delinquents is presented, together with recommendations for educational policy.
Abstract
A study of 1,300 adolescent boys found that the evidence was insufficient to establish a causal relationship between LD and JD, but that some type of relationship justifying further investigation did exist. A second study found that five intelligence/neurological performance predictors could significantly discriminate between delinquents and nondelinquents; a study of incarcerated delinquents found an LD incidence of 48.9 percent, as compared to a general population average of 5 to 10 percent. A study conducted by the American Institute for Research found that studies of the LD/JD relationship conducted prior to 1976 suffered from so many methodological problems, including an a prior assumption of the relationship, that they could not be used to provide even rough estimates of a possible link between LD and JD. Problems identified by other scholars include difficulties in definition and diagnosis, lack of and/or disagreements about an etiological basis for LD, and some findings of greater JD in non-LD populations. A number of authors have recommended the need for early identification and remediation of LD as appropriate for the affected JD population, and a study of instructional remediation for delinquents indicates that special education programming can reduce recidivism. While the LD/JD relationship remains unclear, it is recommended that efforts be made in the areas of public education and instructional remediation. Included are 19 references.