Comparison of Executive Functions and Components of Adaptation in Students with and without Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to compare executive functions and adaptation components in students with and without learning disabilities. The research method was causal-comparative (post-event). The sample consisted of 60 students (30 students with learning disabilities and 30 students with learning disabilities) who according to the background of research related to this field and the criteria for entering and leaving the research by available sampling method. Students with learning disabilities and targeted students with learning disabilities were selected and Collage's Neuropsychological and Personality Test (2002) and the Sinn and Sink  Student Adaptation Questionnaire (1998) were completed. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed a significant difference between the total score of executive functions and the components of decision making, planning and inhibition in the two groups of students with learning disabilities and students without learning disabilities (P<0.01). Also, there was a significant difference between the total score of adjustment and social and academic components of two groups of students with learning disability and students without learning disability (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the mean of emotional adjustment component of two groups of students with learning disability and students without learning disability (P>0.05). Based on this, it can be concluded that students with learning disabilities have lower levels of executive functions and adaptation components than students without learning disabilities.