Managing Learning Disabilities as an adult

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 diagnosis and support. A learning disability assessment is meant to gather relevant information about an individual’s areas of strengths and challenges to determine whether or not he or she may have a learning disability. Different assessments may not have the same components but in general an assessment will include a screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendations. During the screening process, there may be an interview, an informal test, 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

PDF Fact Sheet- Adult learning disabilities assessment process FAQ for Adults with Learning Disabilities PDF Fact Sheet- What employers should know about learning disabilities Job Accommodation Network Self-Advocacy in the Work-place: Requesting Job Accommodations Disclosing your Learning Disability Disability and Criminal Justice Reform

responsibilities, strategies, accommodations, and next steps. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) outlines a couple sources for finding a qualified professional in your area:

• State and local LDA chapters: https://ldaamerica.org/support/stateaffiliates/. • Community Mental Health Centers • Rehabilitation Services Agencies. https://rsa.ed.gov/about/people/stateliaisons • Local private psychologist or psychological clinic • Local college or university psychology department • University-affiliated hospitals and clinics The downside of assessments is that they can be expensive, ranging between $500 to $2,500 in cost. Some insurance plans will cover assessment costs. Additionally, local mental health clinics and university psychology departments may offer a sliding scale fee for assessments based on financial availability. Vocational rehabilitation agencies may sometimes provide free learning disability assessments for agency applicants who are accepted as new clients. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) also provides learning disability assessments to clientele as part of their services for those who may need it.

Learning disabilities and employment can also be a difficult process to navigate. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that provides protections from discrimination in employment and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations mean, “any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions.” The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has collected data that shows more than half of all accommodations cost employers nothing and instead, employers gain financial benefits from providing accommodations. Some common learning disability accommodations include: allowing the use of a voice-activated recorder to record verbal instructions, provide checklists for tasks, allow the use of a calculator, allow employees to organize their space, and providing additional training.

List of Questions to Ask a Qualified Professional:

• Have you tested many adults with learning disabilities before?

• How much will the assessment cost, and what does the cost cover?

• Can insurance cover the costs?

• Are there other funding sources?

• Can you provide a payment plan?

• How long will the assessment take?

• What will be involved in the assessment?

• Who will have access to the assessment results?

• Will there be a written report of the assessment?

• Will you explain the written report to me?

• Will the assessment give me more information about why I am having trouble with my job, school, or daily life?

• Will you give me ideas about accommodations for my disability?

• Will you give me information about how to self-advocate for my disability at school or work?

• Will the report make recommendations about where I can go for further help?

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