Adult Learning Disabilities...

Can adults have learning disabilities?  The answer is clearly, yes.  While many people with learning disabilities are successful as adults, that does not mean that their learning problems have disappeared, rather as adults we can focus on the things that we are good at and that we learn to compensate for our limitations.  At the same time, there are many adults who, while they were children, were never identified.  They may have been told that they were lazy or that they just needed to “work harder.”  As they got older they found work and have progressed through life, but have never achieved their full potential.  In fact, they continue to have struggles to the present time.  For some adults, they realize that they have a learning disability when their own children have struggles at school and there is a painful familiarity to the problems their son or daughter is having.  At this point the parent may wonder if they have a learning disability. 

So what is a learning disability?  The current definition of the Learning Disability Association of Canada is, "Learning Disabilities" refer to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information. These disorders affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning.  In other words, a person who should be able to learn, because they have average abilities, but who struggles with learning, because there is an issue that interferes with the learning.  It is important to note that learning disability is not the only term in use.  You will find references to “dyslexia,” learning disorder, LD and other terms, both in the press and on the Internet.  In most cases, these terms refer to the same thing. 

How do learning disabilities affect adults?  The effects can be subtle or extreme.  For example, the person who is never organized and can’t seem to balance a cheque book, is not likely to obtain the promotion, unless they are lucky and have a very good secretary who they allow to organize their lives.  Furthermore, adults with learning disabilities may find that they change jobs frequently or are overwhelmed when required to take on certain projects.  These adults may live in fear that someone will find out how much they struggle to stay on top of their work.  These struggles will affect how they feel about themselves and how they get along with their partners.

Is it possible to determine if an adult has a learning disability?  The answer is also yes.  An assessment for a learning disability in an adult allows you to understand the areas that are more difficult for you, so that you can work around them. The goal is to help the individual find ways to compensate for their learning disability in order to be less challenged by it.

The process to determine if an adult has a learning disability is similar to that for a child, although the assessment instruments are geared for adults.  These include evaluations of cognitive abilities, memory skills and academic abilities.  The process does take some time, usually between four to six hours, however, by the end of the assessment process, the psychologist will have a good understanding of the person’s learning style.

Where do I go for an assessment?  You need to find a registered psychologist who is familiar with learning disabilities in adults.  Many psychologists who provide this service for children and teens can provide an assessment for adults as well.  If you think you have a learning disability, it is worth investigating. It just may make your life a lot easier. Call a psychologist near you or consult your physician for a referral.

Estes Moustacalis, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Dr. “M”)

www.oakvillepsychologist.com

info@oakvillepsychologist.com

905 617-8308

Providing psychoeducational assessments and consultation on

behalf of children and adults with learning difficulties and counseling for adult issues.