The Prevalence of Adoption Among Children Diagnosed With Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Author

Karma Jo Roach, Longwood University

Date of Award

4-29-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Ruth L. Meese, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Maureen Walls, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Theresa A. Clark,

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of adoption among children diagnosed with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents who were members of the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of a mid­ Atlantic state completed a two-part questionnaire with information about their school aged live-at-home children. A Chi-Square one sample test was used to compute a chi­ square statistic based on the observed frequency in the study and the expected frequency of adoption in the general population. The Chi-Square value was 75.773 (df=l) with a significance level of .0001. This shows a significantly greater than expected prevalence of adoption among the LD and ADHD population. A likert scale was used to rate behaviors and comparisons were drawn between adopted and nonadopted children. A significantly lower rating was given by the adoptive parents on impulsivity, depression, talking back, disobedience, and failing to listen in comparison to the ratings given by nonadoptive parents. Previous research on related populations is reviewed and suggestions for further research in this area are discussed

Recommended Citation

Roach, Karma Jo, "The Prevalence of Adoption Among Children Diagnosed With Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (1997). Theses & Honors Papers. 237.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/etd/237