Many adults with learning disabilities are not aware that the difficulties they encountered in school, and the problems in their relationships or their jobs are due to an LD.

It was once believed the LDs were a childhood problem. We know now that this is not true – LDs are lifelong and can affect friendships, school, work, self-esteem and daily life.

Many adults with LDs lead very productive and successful lives. But for many, success is not easy. Although they have average to above average intelligence, some adults with LDs are conditioned to believe they are stupid and lazy. This is far from the truth!

Common Signs and Characteristics

LDs range in severity and no one will have all the difficulties listed below.

• Difficulty reading, writing, spelling. Inability to complete a job application form
• Poor or uneven academic achievement (very strong in some areas, very weak in others)
• Difficulty expressing yourself clearly
• Problems putting thoughts down on paper
• Feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
• Difficult finding or keeping a job

Successful Coping Strategies

Coping strategies are methods, systems or tricks people use to help themselves accomplish what they want/need to do. Examples include:

• Identifying and recognizing your strengths/weaknesses
• Setting realistic goals based on abilities
• Using technology to compensate for weaknesses (word processor, spell checker, calculator, books on tape, etc.)
• Accepting your disability and knowing that it’s OK!
• Being flexible – finding other ways of getting information
• Joining activity-centred groupes to make friends
• Breaking down large tasks into small ones
• Identifying deadlines for small, manageable tasks
• Making to-do lists with deadlines
• Prioritizing rather than procrastinating

What if these are not enough?

If solid coping strategies are not developed, your LD may continue to interfere with work, education, social relations and basic daily activities. Some suggestions are:

• Being assessed by a professional psychologist trained in learning disabilities (visit our list of psychologists, located in the “community contacts” tab)
• Finding other adults with learning disabilities for sharing strategies, information and support
• Seeking counselling from a professional with knowledge about learning disabilities

LDs affect approximately 10 per cent of the population. This means more than 3 million Canadians. You are not alone!