What are “Risk” and “Resilience?
When parents of a child with learning disabilities (LD) think about the child’s prospects for future success and satisfaction in life, they may feel hopeful one day and discouraged the next. They wonder: Will my child’s strengths and talents prevail over the challenges he faces? Scientific studies reveal some interesting findings about risk factors and resilience in the lives of people with LD. Research suggests that children with LD are at increased risk for academic failure, social difficulties, psychological problems, behavior disorders, prolonged dependence on parents or guardians, and employment difficulties. In this regard, an LD – in and of itself – can be considered a “risk factor.” Although definitions vary, in general terms, a risk factor is any condition, circumstance, or event that increases the likelihood of a negative outcome in an individual’s life. Research outside the area of LD has identified a number of risk factors (personal and environmental) that lead to negative
