Learning difficulties can sometimes go undiagnosed in childhood, resulting in a variety of issues in maturity, including preventing individuals from receiving the help they require to live their life to the fullest. People with learning disabilities have trouble learning new skills, comprehending and processing information, and interacting with others. Depending on the type of learning disability, however, people with learning disabilities may be able to work and live independently.
People who have been diagnosed with a learning disability and their families will be aware of the resources available to help them live independently, such as the learning disability charity. They can also better grasp why some tasks in life are more difficult or take longer after receiving a diagnosis.
What are the signs that you have a learning disability?
Knowing or even contemplating that you have a learning disability as an adult might be challenging because years of living with it normalize the issues. Learning difficulties can have inconspicuous symptoms if they are mild, but there are several warning indicators to look for.
Adult signs of learning difficulties
- Problems with math, reading, or writing
- Difficulties interpreting information
- Learning new skills at a slower pace
- Memory and Communication issues, such as speaking slowly or having a limited vocabulary
- Understanding and following a discussion might be difficult.
- Coordination difficulties
- You’re having trouble grasping concepts like time and direction.
Why is it important to get a diagnosis?
Without a learning disability diagnosis, an adult may be fully unaware of their needs and blame their problems on their own incompetence. This can affect career choices as well as low self-esteem and feelings of low self-worth, which can lead to emotional and psychological issues such as depression.
It may lead to the person giving up and feeling embarrassed, when they may have very well achieved their educational or other goals with the correct help. Receiving a diagnosis will enable someone with a learning disability to receive the assistance they require in order to maximize their potential, enhance their social skills, find a rewarding job, and live independently.
An Adult diagnosed with a learning problem
If you suspect that you or someone you know, such as a family member, has a learning problem, you should consult your doctor. The GP will be able to provide a preliminary assessment and, if additional testing is necessary, will recommend you to a clinical psychologist. By measuring your cognitive performance and adaptive behavior, a clinical psychologist may be able to make a diagnosis.
Individuals’ conceptual (reading, writing, numeracy), social (interpersonal skills, social responsibility, self-esteem), and practical skills all play a role in adaptive behavior (daily living activities, use of money, safety, routines). Gathering information about a person’s background and behavior is important when assessing them and can help determine whether the requirements for a learning disability have been met.
