ABSTRACT

When the definition of learning disabilities was established about 25 years ago, it was in response to the needs expressed by parents and teachers advocating for children who were not mentally retarded but exhibited unexpected underachievement (Keogh, 1970). However, it soon became apparent that the needs of individuals with learning disabilities (LD) extended beyond the academic domain (Cruickshank, 1981b). The same difficulties that cause learning problems in students with LD are believed by some to cause difficulties in social functioning.