Innovative Programs and Practices Serving Children, Youth, Families and Adults with ADHD

by Mark Katz, Ph.D.

 

As parents, educators, health care providers and well-informed consumers become
more aware of the needs and day-to-day challenges facing children, youth, families and
adults who struggle with ADHD, they’re finding extremely creative ways of addressing
these needs and challenges. In each issue of Attention Magazine, we highlight one of
these innovative programs, models or practices, and pass on the names of individuals
to contact who can help you replicate these efforts in your community.

The Life Development Institute (LDI)
For over two decades the Life Development Institute (LDI) in Glendale, Arizona, has
been helping young adults struggling with ADHD, learning disabilities, ASPERGER’S
SYNDROME or related conditions overcome the often demoralizing effects of years of
school failure by providing them the tools they need to lead meaningful, productive and
independent lives. Among the program’s unique features is the emphasis it places on
teaching and practicing “real world” independent living skills in a real world setting.
Students live in a fully integrated APARTMENT community where they’re required to
take on actual demands and responsibilities that come with living successfully on one’s
own. The frustrations and setbacks common to this transitional life phase occur as they
would for most young adults. What’s different here is that trained staff is nearby to help
students learn from their experiences. At LDI, students acquire essential independent
living skills without feeling they’re enrolled in a treatment program.

Three postsecondary program TRACKS are currently available: 1) a college track for
students wishing to pursue either associate of four year college degrees; 2) a career
track that includes extensive career exploration classes, ENROLLMENT IN
occupationspecific education and training from Phoenix-area technical, business, and
medical schools, and externship placement with local employers; and 3) an employment
track where students learn and practice workplace skills in BOTH CLASS AND work
settings AND ARE ASSISTED IN PLACEMENT IN COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT.

Through its STATUS AS AN ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, APPROVED
PRIVATE SPECAIL EDUCATION SCHOOL, LDI offers AN INNOVATIVE high school
program for students TO EARN their high school diploma. Classes are small (5 to 10
students), with an emphasis on training in essential educational LEARNING
STRATEGIES, vocational EXPLORATION and independent living skills students will
need to transition successfully to the adult world.

All programs are offered within walking distance to residential units where students live
independently, with access to trained LDI staff. As students COMPLETE THE CORE
PROGRAM AND master independent living skills they’re encouraged to move to other
living units away from the campus, which now requires that they demonstrate a greater
degree of self sufficiency.

Potential LDI candidates and their families typically learn about LDI from professionals
around the U.S familiar with their model, with the majority of referrals coming from
schools, educational consultants, mental health providers and other health care
professionals. Most students at LDI range in age from 18 to 26, with some in their late
20’s and 30’s. Enrollment occurs once a year and individuals may apply at any time.
Programs SERVICES are STRUCTURED in accordance with each incoming student’s
unique learning profile and in CONSIDERATION OF conditions commonly co-occurring
with ADHD, learning disabilities and other learning differences. Individualized programs
are designed AROUND A CORE CURRICULUM to address needs within the following
seven adult life domains: 1) social and recreational 2) community 3) education 4)
employment 5) mental/physical health 6) personal development and relationships, and
7) independent living. Each student also has a primary advisor who works AS A
MENTOR to insure that steps to independence, as outlined in each individualized plan
of action, are successfully achieved.

Recipient of President Bush’s Points of Light award in 1992, and more recently the
Woodbury Reports, Inc. Excellence in Education Award, LDI enjoys an excellent
reputation for its work in helping students with wide ranging learning difficulties
successfully transition from school to the adult world. Those interested in learning more
about the program, including admission criteria, costs, and the array of other services
they offer, are encouraged to log on to their website at: www.life-development-inst.org
or call Rob Crawford, CEO and co-founder at 623-773-2774 or Veronica Crawford, LDI
President at the same number.