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Discovering Adulthood Learning Disabilities
A large part of America's population is believed to be affected with learning disabilities in their adulthood, without them even knowing it. The tragedy is not only that these individuals have gone
through half their lives feeling frustrated and confused, but that they now carry the emotional scars too.
Many adults with dyslexia and other learning disabilities have very self confidence, suffer from anxiety and experience bouts of depression. Sometimes the impact of something as basic as reading difficulties can transform into a diagnosable mental disorder, while other times it's manifested as stress.
It is not easy to handle these learning disorders as adults. There is a lot of pressure to behave just like normal adults and complete college even though these special needs adults may be more suited to other specific adult learning styles. It would be easier for them to pick up vocational skills rather than going for the normal college education. When forced to tread the normal path, around 35% of children with learning disabilities are not able to make it as per the National Longitudinal Transition Study. It is a sad fact that only 2% of high school graduates who have learning disorders make it to college.
To make the successful transition into adulthood, people must take logical steps. Jason Lopez, a student diagnosed with ADHD anxiety and auditory/visual adult learning disabilities, first made his move to Landmark College in Vermont, a two-year school for students with reading difficulties and learning disabilities. After receiving an associate's degree, he continued to Lynn University. Marsha Glines, executive director of the school, said they help students with support services, tutoring, time management training, organizational techniques and counseling. "Some students find tremendous motivation in dispelling myths about their disabilities," Glines adds.
The proper understanding of the value of setting and achieving goals for all people - adults with disabilities like dyslexia perhaps even more so. Advancement opportunities should always be considered. Whether the individual is working hard just to "prove others wrong" or to find a sense of fulfillment, motivation is ultimately the key to success, so one must find some sort of cause. Reading books about adult learning styles and disability-specific management techniques can be extremely empowering, as can finding a role model or mentor.
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