Definition: Adult Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities tend to stay for life. Remedial teaching teaches children 'coping skills' so that the child is able to function despite the learning disabilities. As a learning-disabled child grows, he becomes more aware of his shortcomings and this causes frustration. Added to this is the fact that as children grow, they become less accepting. They look to form groups with children who have the same abilities and themselves. They become more aware of 'differences'.

With age come challenges that are more and more difficult to handle using coping mechanisms. Things that normal adults take for granted have to be carefully thought through. Getting emotionally involved with another person and starting a relationship could be deadly for a learning-disabled person who is not able to cope with the uncertainties of emotions. Many a tragic story has been written and many a tragic movie has been made of learning-disabled people trying to make their way in the world.

Learning disabilities are varied in form and severity. They usually affect how a person thinks, talks, hears, reads and writes. These problems impact how you process thoughts and perform tasks such as reading (dyslexia), mathematics (dyscalculia), writing (dysgraphia), and so on. Since we use these skills everyday, you will have to find ways of coping with daily tasks.

Learning disabilities, just like physical disabilities, call for a lot of patience on your part. The difference lies in the fact that most physical disabilities are visible and therefore obvious to the person as well as their companions. Learning disabilities are subtle and can be quite difficult for bosses and coworkers to pick up. There are many moments of frustration that you will need to be overcome. It is important to identify and then assess the limits of your disability, especially as you enter the workforce.

It is important for you to understand and recognize the limitations that your learning disability imposes on you. At the same time, it is important not to use the learning disability as a crutch and to live life to its fullest and perform as best you can on the job despite the disability.

Life with a learning disability is a challenge - but it is not a lost cause. As with a physical disability, one has to learning coping skills to compensate for the lack of physical ability - so it is with a learning disability. Given below are some common coping skills that you can use, if you have a learning disability:

• Set up a routine in your life. It could be a daily routine from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Listing routine tasks and posting them in a prominent position can be of immense help. Working according to a set schedule brings in a routine that is a comfort zone for you.

• Avoid stressful situations. The additional stress of high emotions can make it more difficult for you as a learning-disabled person to cope with a situation.

• Avoid noise and confusion. Surrounding noise, confusion and tension make it difficult for a learning-disabled person to concentrate on the task on hand.

• Ensure you get adequate rest. People with learning disabilities find it more difficult to cope with routine tasks if they are tired.

• In a prominent place, list all the emergency contact numbers you may require. You should even carry these numbers with you at all times.

• Lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes proper rest schedules, eating healthy food and eating on time, abstaining for all mood altering substance and, getting sufficient exercise.

A learning disability is a disability that you can cope with, even in your professional life. It is a disability that will allow you to lead an independent and productive life. It is a surmountable problem. Be aware of your problem, be informed about your problem and then live life within the confines of your problem. Live life to the fullest!