Positive Transitioning - The Education Issue

Navigating Adulthood with a Learning Disability

By Nat Rodriguez-Steen Learning disabilities are neurological differences in the way the human brain processes, stores and communicates information. Studies estimate that approximately 10% of the world’s population is affected by various learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. The earlier learning disabilities are identified and an effective intervention program can be started, the small the learning gap. When the right kind of support and learning strategies are introduced, positive results can be achieved and maintained over the long term. The difficulty arises when learning disabilities are not properly diagnosed or diagnosed later in life. For adults, having an undiagnosed learning disability can affect employment, relationships, psychological and emotional development, and can lead to depression and feelings of low self-worth. These common problems occur in particular when individuals interpret their past educational failures as personal faults and, therefore, feel embarrassment and shame because of a perceived intellectual deficiency.

There are various ways for adults to seek out a PDF Fact Sheet- Adult learning disabilities assessment process diagnosis and support. A learning disability assessment is meant to gather relevant FAQ for Adults with Learning Disabilities information about an individual’s areas of PDF Fact Sheet- What employers should strengths and challenges to determine whether or know about learning disabilities not he or she may have a learning disability.

Job Accommodation Network Different assessments may not have the same Self-Advocacy in the Work-place: components but in general an assessment will Requesting Job Accommodations include a screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and Disclosing your Learning Disability recommendations. During the screening process, there may be an interview, an informal test, Disability and Criminal Justice Reform career interest questionnaire, or a review of medical, school, or work histories. In a typical evaluation there is a formal test for achievement, intelligence, and processing. If a diagnosis is made, there will most likely be a statement that specifies the results and includes the type of learning disability identified. Lastly, there will be a recommendation about how those with learning disabilities can navigate and proceed in work, school, and daily living.

When looking for the right type of assessment for a learning disability, one should look for a qualified professional who can conduct it. This professional should be certified, have experience working with adults who have learning disabilities, have resources about local and state services, and be able to help an adult determine their legal rights and 9