James Koller, Ph.D
Professor and Director of Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices
in Schools
Also available: Notes - 5 pages
Dr. Koller spoke on the co-morbid occurrence of SLD and Social-emotional problems.
He stressed how the S/E difficulties continue into adulthood. One of the phrases
that he hears frequently that isn’t true is “they’ll grow
out of it” or they’ll do better once they are out of school.”
This is just not true.
Dr. Koller is sent case studies from all over the world he usually works with
people he doesn’t know, getting information from records, which are usually
devoid of students (or adults) strengths or passions.
Public Health Organization:
60,000 adults were evaluated in various countries. 26.4 % of the ones from the
US had significant Mental Health problems. We lead the world in eating disorders,
anxiety, depression ….
National Institute for Health:
One in five adults have a diagnosable Mental Health disorder, one in ten have
a severe MH disorder, but only one in twenty actually get help.
Key Point:
If you have LD with accompanying social/emotional issues they will persist into
adult hood.
Impact: The phrase, “kids will grow out of it,”
is common. This presentation seems to be mandating more s/e instruction and
focus on the part of schools and parents. There was a lot of good info on the
new GED.