Learning Disabilities In Adults
Written by: Roselyn Mathew / Cognitive Coaching / May 10, 2023 / 8 minutes read
“Learning disabilities refers 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. As such, learning disabilities are distinct from global intellectual deficiency.” (Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, 2015).
A person with a learning disability will have difficulties in understanding information, processing information and also in giving an adequate response to the information.
How is learning disability different from intellectual disability?
The issues described in learning disability are similar to the ones seen in intellectual disability. But there are differences between them. In intellectual disability the intelligence quotient (IQ) is less than average, whereas in learning disability the intelligence quotient (IQ) is generally average or higher than average. Moreover, in learning disability generally 1 or 2 modes of perception, processing and response are affected but in intellectual disability, all modes are affected.
Causes of learning disability in adulthood
Learning disability seen in adulthood is usually due to 3 reasons. One is the persistence of childhood learning disability as it is a condition that cannot be cured. The second reason is trauma to the brain due to accidents or surgical trauma. The third reason is neurological conditions like dementia.
Symptoms of learning disability
The general symptoms of learning disability are:
Difficulties in reading and writing
Difficulties in processing verbal or written information
Issues with reading and writing numbers and in performing calculations
Difficulties in coordinating tasks together
Have a short attention span
Finding it difficult to have conversations and to explain thoughts
Getting frustrated for small things
Having difficulties in following or giving directions
Confusion with left and right side
Being forgetful
Showing clumsiness
Having poor social skills
A person with a learning disability will have difficulties in understanding information, processing information and also in giving an adequate response to the information.
Types of learning disabilities and their characteristics
DYSLEXIA
Dyslexia is the difficulty in reading and processing of language through visual mode. This is the most common type of learning disability. For this reason, the term dyslexia is often used synonymously with learning disability. The commonly seen features in dyslexia include:
Reversing position of letters while reading. Eg. reading a word as ‘lake’ instead of ‘kale’.
Reading a letter as another similar letter. Eg. reading the small letter ‘b’ as ‘d’ or reading the capital letter ‘W’ as ‘M’.
Difficulty in cutting whole words to individual sounds (phonemes), which is essential while reading bigger or unfamiliar words.
Finding it difficult to understand what is read
Reading a different word due to errors in sight reading
Depending on the type of dyslexia and visual processing difficulties, some individuals would find reading longer or unfamiliar words easier than smaller words whereas others might find it easier to read smaller words compared to longer or unfamiliar words.
DYSGRAPHIA
Dysgraphia is a type of learning disability where a person has difficulties in writing. In most cases, dyslexia and dysgraphia are both seen together whereas in some cases, only one condition exists. The common features seen in dysgraphia are:
Difficulties to express thoughts and ideas in writing
Speed of writing is slow
The time taken to form sentences is long
Handwriting is often messy and difficult to read
Reversals are seen in written letters which may be whole reversals or mirror reversals. They may or may not be actual letters. For eg. Mirror reversals of ‘d’ forms ‘b’ and whole reversal of ‘M’ forms ‘W’. These are actual letters. But there can also be mirror or whole reversal of letters (example r or G) which do not have any meaning.
Difficulty in writing in a straight line
Errors in capitalization of letters. Eg. Not starting with a capital letter after a full stop or writing a word with capital letter in the middle of a sentence
Spelling mistakes in writing
Inappropriate spacing between words or lines
Not having enough punctuations or having unnecessary punctuations
Poor grammar
DYSCALCULIA
Dyscalculia is the difficulty with numbers and calculations. A person with dyscalculia finds it difficult to understand mathematical concepts and do math even in everyday situations. Some of the characteristics of dyscalculia include:
Difficulty in writing larger numbers
Difficulty in reading numbers based on the number position. For eg. they might write or read a number in the 100th position instead of the 1000th position.
Finding it difficult to solve a math problem even after being explained about the method many times
Confusion while calculating time or measurements
Making frequent errors while doing simple mathematics like addition or subtraction
DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia is also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It is a condition where the organization and coordination of a physical movement is affected. Dyspraxia can affect a person's balance, gross and fine motor skills. Some of the characteristics of dyspraxia are:
Poor posture
Poor eye-hand coordination- handwriting is illegible and messy
Clumsiness and slowness
Often losing balance
Difficulty involving in sports or activities like throwing or catching a ball or riding a bike due to motor incoordination
In severe dyspraxia, everyday activities like brushing teeth or buttoning a shirt would also be affected
Becoming tired and exhausted after performing simple activities like tying shoelaces
Mixing up words during speech
NON-VERBAL DISABILITY
Non-verbal learning disability is a condition where a person has difficulties in organization, visuospatial skills, abstract thinking, non-verbal and social cues. This is the type of learning disability where communication and social interactions are the most affected. Some features of this condition are:
Difficulties in visuospatial processing
Inability to manage time effectively
Difficulties in visual construction
Difficulty in summarizing and organizing information
Difficulty in interpreting social cues or non-verbal cues like tone of voice, complex facial expressions and emotions during interactions
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type of learning disability and the difficulties that the person is facing. Learning disability is a life-long condition and cannot be cured. It is important to seek professional help in order to understand the specific issues that a person has and work on it. A professional can help in developing strategies and ways to deal with everyday issues and have a fulfilling life.
To speak with one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.
