SPECIFIC READING RETARDATION, HYPERACTIVE CHILD SYNDROME, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

• NCJ Number: 38029
• Journal: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Volume: 54 Dated: (1976) Pages: 25-28
• Author(s): M VIRKKUNEN; A NUUTILA
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: Denmark

Annotation

REPORT ON A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH A SPECIFIC READING RETARDATION LEADS TO CRIMINAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENTS AND TO WHAT FACTORS SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS DUE IN THESE CASES.

Abstract

FOR THIS PURPOSE, 224 MALE PATIENTS WHO HAD BEEN TREATED FOR THE READING DEFICIENCY IN SPECIAL TREATMENT CENTERS IN FINLAND DURING THE 1960'S WERE INVESTIGATED. RESULTS INDICATED THAT WHILE 12.1 PERCENT OF THOSE INVESTIGATED WERE PRONE TO CRIMINALITY BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 20, THE SEVERITY OF THE RETARDATION DID NOT MEASURABLY CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROPENSITY. IT WAS FOUND, HOWEVER, THAT SYMPTOMS OF HYPERACTIVITY SEEMED TO CONTRIBUTE TO CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.