Learning Disabilities in Adulthood

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Dyslexia and other learning disabilities can be a long, hard haul for kids as they navigate school, home, peers and higher education. A learning disability not only affects the child, it affects the family. Thankfully, so much more is known about learning challenges; schools and parents are more equipped now than ever before to find ways to best help the students learn-to-learn.

Unfortunately, transitioning to to adulthood has been an overlooked time of great stress for graduates entering the “real world”. Young adults starting out in new jobs and possibly alone for the first time are suddenly without the guard rails they have been accustomed to while in school. While an IEP (Individual Education Plan) has helped students to learn and given them one-on-one instruction, graduates find themselves in fast pace work environments with bosses/trainers not equipped to help their new hire learn in an individualized way

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Navigating the training expectations of a new job, learning to “adult” and deciding wether or not to disclose a learning disability can create the perfect storm for young adults to have overwhelming levels of stress and anxiety. The feelings that flooded an elementary school child who is falling behind can come rushing back and result in lower confidence and mitigate the skills that got the young adult hired in the first place.

What can we do? As a young adult that can identify with this or as a parent who has been just as impacted by the learning disabilities, a few things can be done to smooth the transition.

  • Acknowledge that this transition time is bares high levels of stress and can be benefited by family support

  • Decide whether or not to disclose your LD to your company – is this old shame that is coming up? If so, does it serve a purpose now? Would it be better to be frank with your boss that you could use additional training? Is concealing causing even more anxiety?

  • Remember your work arounds and coping skills you used in school and understand where you can apply them as you learn your new job

  • Keep in mind that despite your LD, you still landed this job! You have persevered before and you can do it again.

  • Seek counseling to talk through your anxieties and frustrations during this transition time. It is a time of great challenge and can make you feel alone, your therapist will help you navigate this.

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Learning disabilities are a part of so many of our lives. We learn differently but that does not mean we don’t learn. You are not alone, you weren’t alone in school, you most likely aren’t alone at your workplace either. Having the conversations about what you have overcome and where you are going will instill pride in yourself and inspire others.

Maggie Allen, Counseling Intern

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Impacts of Trauma on Learning

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Are Your Coping Skills Helpful or Healthy?