Learning Disabilities Training: A New Approach - Module 1

Potential negative outcomes

Self-esteem

Negative experiences with school, social, and employment settings can lead to low self-esteem. As a result, individuals are not willing to take risks, strive to reach their potential or speak for themselves. When adults don't understand their disabilities, they may experience low self-esteem and be less willing to advocate for themselves.

Employment

Limited organizational skills, lack of attention, spelling and reading difficulties, and poor comprehension are some of the challenges that may prevent adults from keeping steady employment. An employer's limited understanding of learning disabilities could compound these challenges. Employers sometimes believe myths that accommodations for persons with learning disabilities are extremely expensive and that adults with learning disabilities can't learn.

Social interactions

Relationships with family members, spouses, peers and colleagues are affected by the challenges that learning disabilities present. Adults with learning disabilities may display poor judgment of others' moods and attitudes and be less sensitive to others' thoughts and feelings. They may say inappropriate things and have problems understanding humour. Most want acceptance but often are so eager that they try too hard, causing them to act inappropriately. These challenges often lead to limited peer support, isolation, marriage difficulties and weak relationships with children.⁵⁴

Daily living

Daily routines that people without learning disabilities take for granted such as writing a cheque, filling out applications, and taking phone messages can be challenging for adults with learning disabilities. The stress and fear of ridicule can lead to avoidance of these basic tasks. A stressful situation compounded with negative experiences can interfere with the ability to complete a task that is usually accomplished independently. People with learning disabilities may have difficulty doing banking at an ATM when there is a large lineup and an impatient person standing directly behind.