Meeting the Challenge of Learning Disabilities in Adulthood

The challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities (LD) are not confined to an academic environment and are not "outgrown" in adulthood. So how do adults face the hurdles of LD in their professional and personal lives? In this book, you'll hear from a diverse group of adults with LD, many of whom also have attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as they describe how they've met disability-related challenges at work and at home. Ten in-depth chapters discuss the challenges and benefits that learning disabilities can present in a wide range of areas, including overall mental health, day-to-day life, dating, long-term relationships, parenthood, higher education, and employment. Practical suggestions and proven strategies are offered to help adults identify and capitalize on their strengths and to promote a satisfying quality of life.

Dr. Roffman is Professor of Special Education at Lesley College, where she currently teaches graduate-level courses in psychology and special education. She also served at Lesley College at the founding director of the Threshold Program (for young adults with learning disabilities [LD] from 1981 to 1996. Her research interests include social skills development and adolescents and adults with LD.

Dr. Roffman is the author of numerous articles and chapters on LD, a book entitled The Classroom Teacher's Guide to Mainstreaming (Charles C. Thomas, 1983), and a spelling game Rule-ette (Educators Publishing Service). She has served on the editorial boards of the National Center on Learning Disabilities, the National Center for Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities, the Learning Disability Research and Training Center, the National Network for Learning Disabled Adults, and the Boston University Learning Disabilities Program. She has served as a trustee of Riverview School and the Anchor to Windward Program.

Dr. Roffman has presented and consulted on issues related to special education throughout the United States and abroad. A licensed psychologist, she also maintains a private practice, primarily focusing on adolescents and adults with LD/ADHD.