What are
attention deficit / hyperactivity
disorders?

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are a neurobiological disorder. It is characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences. These consequences may include school failure, depression, conduct disorder, failed relationships, and substance abuse. Early identification and treatment are extremely important.

Until recent years, it was believed that children outgrew ADHD in adolescence. This is because hyperactivity often diminishes during the teen years. However, it is now known that many symptoms continue into adulthood. If the disorder goes undiagnosed or untreated during adulthood, individuals may have trouble at work and in relationships, as well as emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression.

Because everyone shows signs of these behaviors at one time or another, the guidelines for determining whether a person has ADHD are very specific. In children, the symptoms must be more frequent or severe than in other children of the same age. In adults, the symptoms must be present since childhood and affect one’s ability to function in daily life. These behaviors must create significant difficulty in at least two areas of life, such as home, social settings, school, or work.

How is LDI a good program
for young adults with ADHD?

Since 1982, the Life Development Institute (LDI), a private community-based organization located in Glendale, Arizona, has served thousands of older adolescents and young adults from around the world struggling with ADHD, learning disabilties, Asperger’s syndrome, Nonverbal learning disorders or related conditions overcome the often demoralizing effects from years of school, social, and personal achievement failures by providing them the instruction, “real world” experience and practical tools needed to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives.

Using a strength-based (non-disability) approach, our evidence-based, peer-validated pragmatic model is designed to address the specific developmental, academic and career needs of under-prepared students with ADHD 17 years of age and older through several levels in their transition to independent and self-supported living – from earning a high school diploma, starting college to achieving careers through employment compatible with their unique capabilities.

This key difference of “can do”- recognizing, celebrating, and developing personal competence- is central to young adults with ADHD success. LDI uses a common sense process that emphasizes what is required/expected of an average person to function in any given adult environment. This approach identifies a challenging set of goals that focus on situational learning and personal achievement necessary for all adults, not just those considered to have disabilities.

The program focuses its classroom instruction on achieving mastery of specific, major adult life demands in the areas of career planning, social/emotional maturity, establishing independence & competitive job development/placement- which are based on the behaviors that any individual- disabled or not- will need for personal success in their home communities.

LDI is part of the community, not an “island’. It provides a supportive campus, inclusive residential community, and access to institutions of higher learning that provides the education, skills and training needed to live independently.The usual limitation of similar residential or boarding school situations is that they are “sheltered” or “clinical” in their orientation whereas our setting is an actual apartment complex-not a dormitory, institutional setting, or group home.

The Institute is authorized to enroll and provide M-1 visas for nonimmigrant foreign students by the Department of Homeland Security, is fully accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation & School Improvement, multi-agency vendor approval & private party paid.

What improvements have been recognized in students with ADHD after completion of the LDI program?

  • Makes logical connections between personal wants and needs across a variety of adult life decisions.
  • More self-aware of how their behavior affects the positive development of peer relationships. Significant reductions of “off the wall” comments unrelated to the conversation or circumstances.
  • Awareness and improved performance in commonly accepted and practiced social graces.
  • Less avoidance-type behaviors due to increased practice and personal responsibility in dealing effectively with the perceived risks of “failing.”
  • Can make informed career planning decisions by utilizing a system of tools/methods that recognize & build on individual assets and manage functional limitations.
  • Demonstrates independent ability to identify, enroll, and complete college or career programming with passing grades/scores.
  • Able to conduct an independent job search, interview, accept and retain competitive employment for at least 120 continuous days.
  • Comprehends and appreciates that employers expect all employees to perform certain job functions in specific ways.
  • Understands and complies with the policy/procedure demands of a particular work setting.
  • Successfully lived on own, managed daily tasks of independent living, and begin to support themselves financially.

Learn More

If you wish to receive additional information about Life Development Institute and how we can help you or your child, please complete this form.

You may also contact our Admissions Manager at (623) 773-1545 to discuss your needs.

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