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Adapting DBT for Youth with Learning Disorders

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Learning Disorders Across the Lifespan

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Abstract

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for individuals with high-risk mental health problems, such as chronic suicidality, parasuicidal behaviors, and substance misuse. Individuals with learning disorders can present with high-risk concerns and learning disorders themselves can increase risk for emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Consistent with a strength-based approach, DBT should be adapted for those with learning problems. Herein, we first provide a brief overview of DBT including a discussion of the biosocial theory, stages of treatment, modes of intervention, the four skills modules, treatment strategies, and existing adaptations of DBT for use with children, teens, and school-based settings. Next, we describe challenges that may arise for children with co-occurring emotion dysregulation and learning problems, regardless of the primary academic skills deficit, and provide considerations for individual, family, and group therapists. We then offer specific suggestions for adapting DBT for clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with each of the specific learning disorders across treatment modalities. Finally, we close with an illustrative case example describing an adaptation of DBT provided in a partial hospital setting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brooklyn Learning Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Mariah DeSerisy

  2. Fordham University, New York, NY, USA

    Emily Hirsh

  3. New York, NY, USA

    Jessica Macklin

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  1. Mariah DeSerisy
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  2. Emily Hirsh
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  3. Jessica Macklin
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Correspondence to Mariah DeSerisy .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA

    Amy E. Margolis

  2. International Control Mastery Therapy Center, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Jessica Broitman

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DeSerisy, M., Hirsh, E., Macklin, J. (2023). Adapting DBT for Youth with Learning Disorders. In: Margolis, A.E., Broitman, J. (eds) Learning Disorders Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21772-2_9

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