Abstract
M.Ed.
This study emanated from the question why many adults who struggled with their learning disabilities in childhood, nevertheless cope successfully with adult life, including their occupational roles. In the research literature on intelligence, it is indicated that intelligence in adulthood is related to adults' accumulated life experiences. Horn and Cattell first put this forth in their theory of fluid/crystallised intelligence and more recently by Sternberg with his
theory of practical intelligence. Based on Sternberg's theory, I hypothesised that practical intelligence and the development of expertise in adulthood, might play a decisive role in the learning disabled adult's success. This research was conducted from an interpretative perspective utilising the case' study as research format. The case was selected purposefully on the basis that the person involved was typified as learning disabled during childhood, but nevertheless made a success of his adult life. In depth interviewing was used as data collection method. The interviews focussed on the case's life and work history aiming at eliciting patterns or factors that might contribute to his success in his work and personal life. The data was analysed via the constant comparative method of data analysis. The main finding of this study is that practical intelligence did indeed play a role in the success of the case studied. However, practical intelligence cannot be viewed in isolation. Other factors played a decisive role in his success as an adult. These factors were: he accepted his learning disability; he focussed on his strong points; he took control of his own life; he was persistent to succeed and he had the support of family, friends and mentors.