Many adults with learning disabilities lead very productive and successful lives. But for many, success is not easy. Even though they have average or above average intelligence, some adults with learning disabilities are conditioned to believe that they are stupid and lazy. Their defeated efforts often result in frustration, disappointment, low self-esteem and failure.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a disorder that affects the ability to either interpret what is seen or heard or to link information from different parts of the brain. Although the individual with a learning disability has an average or above average IQ, the disability becomes evident in both academic and social situations.

Learning disabilities may be divided into five categories:

1. Visual Problems: poor visual memory, reversals in writing
2. Auditory Problems: poor auditory memory, speech problems
3. Motor Problems: poor hand-eye coordination
4. Organizational Problems: poor ability in organizing time or space
5. Conceptual Problems: poor social skills and peer relations, difficulty correctly interpreting non-verbal language

Learning disabilities need not prevent an individual from leading a productive and happy life. Individuals with learning disabilities can be found in all walks of life. Success may depend on many factors – the severity of the disability, early identification, remediation, career choice, support from family, friends, teachers and employers, etc.

How many people have a learning disability?

Learning disabilities affect approximately 10 per cent of the population. This means more than 3 million Canadians.

Common signs and characteristics

No individual will manifest all of the difficulties listed below:

• difficulty reading, writing, spelling; inability to complete a job application form
• difficulty following written direction and/or remembering several verbal directions
• problems putting thoughts down on paper
• feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem
• difficulty finding or keeping a job
• time management difficulties
• short attention span, restlessness or hyperactivity
• difficulty in remembering and following the sequence of instructions
• difficulty in understanding appropriate social behaviour
• poor coordination and spatial disorientation
• difficulty with problem-solving strategies