Are there institutions for teens with low IQ (80)?

Question

A friend of mine has an 18 year old boy with an IQ of 80. He does not suffer from a specific mental disability or condition, he is just a lot less intelligent than the average person. People who meet him usually can sense that there is something unusual about him, and often inquire if he has a disability. Special education institutions did not accept him because does not qualify as a special needs child, so he attended a regular school. With much difficulty he was able to pass his classes until he eventually reached 8th grade but could not go any further so he was taken out of school. His parents searched for a school or institution to accommodate him, but they could not find any so he has been staying at home ever since. This has gradually become more problematic, since he is an only child, and his parents have been giving him excessive attention because of his condition, he has become "spoiled" and instantly turns violent when he doesn't get what he wants. His parents are worried about his future, as they know that they cannot support him forever, and they would like him to learn any kind of skill so that he will be able to work, and possibly even improve his social life.

We looked for places where he could learn but didn't find anything in our area, so his parents decided to borrow some money and send him anywhere in the world where a good school can be found. Do you have any suggestions as to where they should send him? ANYTHING could help, so please share any info you have. Thanks.

Answer 1

Ask his parents to check into the Dept of Rehabilitation for their state. If he has scores or a IEP, he will qualify.

I am doing it right for my leaning disability....and they are wonderful. They provide schooling, books, and transportation!!! It's worth looking into!! Plus they do offer JOB PLACEMENT!!!!

Answer 2

This is not unusual for many children who have an low average IQ, this young man is only 1 point off borderline. To have gained any support through school such as special education, he would have had to have an IQ below 75 (this may depend on country etc).

It is totally unfair on those who fall between 76 - 89, however these people can and do manage quite well, even gaining employment, if given the proper support at school and home.

If there was a need for him to have been tested, why was he not given any support services, such as extra help in the normal class setting, especially after finding he did not met the special education services, is unbelievable (I'm not really that surprised, as it comes down to the all mighty dollar).

The aggression is possibly a sign of boredom, frustration, loneliness, no sense of personal identity (these develop in the early teens through to early 20's, through school, social networks, employment etc), and his parents giving lots of attention.

There are many good programs around, but it takes a bit of persistence and knowledge to get the right programs and support needed, and unfortunately some programs may have waiting list, usually preference is given to local people.

I am not sure what country your in, but most places do have either adult education service or community collage, of which should offer support to students, even those with low average IQ, he may need to show evidence of his IQ level.

Speak to a disability employment service, explaining the issues, I would hope they will at lest, give you some idea of where to go for assistance. Failing that I would contact a regular employment service and inquire about training programs that assist with employment training.

Does he have any special interests, such bush walking, music, dancing etc. He needs to build a social network, so encouraging him to attend a young adults club, such as walking & dance clubs would be good, to help maintain & develop his social skills.

I wish I could give you more ideas of where and whom to speak too, but as I said I have know idea where you are. But I would most definitely start with a disability service.  

Answer 3

Not knowing where this family is from makes this question hard to answer.  I don't like the word "institution".  Do you mean Higher Education, like a Technical School or Trade School, or College?  You can suggest they contact their state education department, or do an online search for post-secondary schools for learning disabled individuals.  

If this adolescent has problems, then this should have been addressed while he was in school, through an IEP.

You might also suggest that they look into Community Living Arrangements (CLA) or some form of Group Home placement, to encourage the development of responsibility and independence from caregivers.  Have them contact their  local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for advice and support services to assist this young man in securing the training he needs, the assistance with employment, and also with finding an independent living arrangement.

It is never too late to have this young man evaluated by a professional Licensed Psychologist or Neuropsychologist, to determine if there isn't an underlying, previously undiagnosed disorder that would benefit from treatment and therapy.  The family would definitely need to be included in this therapy for it to work.

TM