Unit 10: Learning Disabilities

This unit is meant only as an introduction to tutoring adults with learning disabilities. It is important to include this kind of information in your tutor training because we see a larger proportion of people with learning disabilities in our tutoring programs than is normally seen in the general population.

In this unit, tutors will find out what a learning disability is. Then they will get to know a learner with a learning disability and some general characteristics of people with learning disabilities. They will look at some general strategies and work with a case study. There is also an optional section on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

This unit is very general because we are dealing with a complex topic:

1. There are many types of learning disabilities.
2. Learners can have groupings of learning disabilities.
3. Any one disability can affect learners in a variety of ways.
4. The severity of the effect can vary with each individual.

Tutors need to know that learners with learning disabilities may need to try different approaches. The tutor will also need to explain and arrange work in a clear and orderly fashion. Planning should include input from the learner, the tutor and the literacy coordinator; and be based on the results of observations, samples, tests and other resources. In reality, the tutor just needs to follow good tutoring practices.

This unit does not cover working with adults who have difficulties that are more global, due to developmental or intellectual disabilities.

The following background information comes from the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada and is used with permission. Their website offers many resources for those working with adults with learning disabilities.

THE ADULT WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

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

It was once believed that a learning disability was a childhood disorder. We now know that this is not true – learning disabilities are lifelong and can affect friendships, school, work, self-esteem and daily life.