| In the past 2 decades a number of studies have been conducted in an attempt to determine the causal relationship between the presence of learning disabilities and delinquent behavior. One recurring explanation for the disproportionate percentage of delinquents with learning disabilities has been the differential treatment hypothesis. This hypothesis concludes that the rate of delinquent behavior in learning disabled individuals is no higher than that of nondisabled youths, but due to the various behaviors associated with learning disabilities, they are treated differently by the judicial community. A 15-question survey was designed to evaluate the level of awareness of the social interactions, emotional needs, and cognitive abilities of the learning disabled. Seventy family court officers responded to the survey. The results of the survey indicated that despite a lack of supportive data from previous studies, family court officers understand social and emotional differences but not cognitive abilities. |
