Strengths supporting resilience in individuals with learning disabilities: A scoping review

Having a learning disability heightens an individual’s risk of developing mental health concerns, decreased educational attainment, and decreased workplace and academic performance. Although the negative impacts of learning disabilities are well-defined, little is known about the internal strengths and external resources that foster resilience in individuals with learning disabilities. In this scoping review, we synthesized research on resilience and learning disabilities using the Resilience Portfolio Model. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO and identified 51 articles as eligible for inclusion. Strengths were identified across all four Resilience Portfolio domains. Important regulatory strengths for individuals with learning disabilities included determination, perseverance, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy. For interpersonal strengths, the most widely beneficial form of social support was a social network that understood the impacts of learning disabilities. Individuals with learning disabilities cultivated meaning by becoming mentors to others with learning disabilities and connecting to spiritual and cultural groups. For environmental strengths, several environmental modifications and policy changes were identified, including extra time on exams, smaller class sizes, and utilizing technological resources. An overarching theme between all the identified strengths was the value of not only supportive, but also informed communities in helping children, youth, and emerging adults with learning disabilities foster resilience.