Language-learning disorders and youth incarceration

Abstract

Many speech–language pathologists are serving delinquent boys with language-learning disorders who are both current and former residents of correctional institutions. These youngsters demonstrate personal maladjustments that have a negative impact on school performance and socialization. Those boys within chaotic families are at risk of poverty, institutionalization, and substance abuse. Boys with language-learning disorders, who have encountered the law, need to be provided with services through collaborative and individualized efforts toward improving language skills, learning, and re-incorporating them into society. Further investigations are needed in order to clarify how the elements of personal, family, neighborhood, school and service conditions serve as either protective or risk factors for a life of incarceration in these individuals. Learning outcomes: As a result of this presentation, the reader will understand the complex relationship among language-learning disorders, poverty, poor school performance, and delinquency in boys. The reader will become aware of the elements that should be present in school and correctional services in order to prevent recidivism in boys with language-learning disorders who have had problems with the law.