Learning Disabilities 1

Learning Disabilities in Adults

Asha Trotman

NRMS 515: Family Theory and Application

April 8, 2010
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Learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to

process, store and respond to information (“LD at Glance”, 2009). When learning

disabilities are not detected in early childhood, it can progress up to adulthood. Learning

disabilities are usually discovered in children at school when first tackling academic

subjects. The types of learning disabilities include reading, writing, spelling, reasoning,

recalling and/or organizing information. Some causes of learning disabilities are genetics,

incidence during pregnancy and birth, and other factors such as head injuries, exposure to

toxins, and nutritional deprivation.

Learning disabilities in adults is usually identified when having problems with

employment, education, and life situations. Individuals usually find it difficult to learn

new tasks and retain information. Many individuals with undiagnosed learning

disabilities often become frustrated and engage in things such as dropping out of school

and quitting their jobs, to prevent shameful feelings and rejections. Identifying the

problem is essential in individuals with learning disability because it has a major affect

on their everyday lives. It affects families’ economical status, and ability to function in

society.

According to statistics, learning disabilities affect 4.6 million people in the United

States. Forty- four percent of females and fifty-seven percent of men dropped out of high

school. Forty- three percent of individuals with learning disabilities are living at or

below poverty level and forty- eight percent is out of the workforce.

Adults that suspect a learning disability should be assessed by a certified

professional to confirm diagnosis. The certified professional conducts the assessment

through neurological, psychological, educational, and vocational instruments. An

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assessment involves evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendation. Individuals with

learning disabilities are usually referred to programs that are specific for the learning

disability that is identified. For example, if the individual’s disability is

dyslexia(difficulty reading), then individuals should be referred to reading programs.

Adults with learning disabilities often have feelings of fear, shame, depression,

and worthlessness. These individuals fear rejection, judgment or criticism. They

sometimes may hide their disabilities because they are afraid of negative labels from

others. By hiding disabilities these adults may have very low self esteem and lack

motivation to seek for help. Many times individuals may feel as if it is too late to start

seeking for help.

As an advance practice nurse, it is essential to make necessary referrals to

professionals when learning disabilities is suspected. The APN’s role is also to support

the well- being of the individual by improving or maintaining their physical and mental

health. The APN aids individuals to overcome feelings that refrains their willingness to

learn and seek for help. The APN needs patience when working with these individuals

because it is a slow process. These individuals require constant encouragement and

motivation throughout the learning process. The APN should also include the individual’s

families to help motivate and assist as needed. These individuals also lack self-autonomy.

The APN can assist individuals to become more independent by teaching them skills such

as job seeking to help gain independence. Learning disabilities is indeed a struggle, but

with thorough intervention and hard work it can lead to success.

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References

Learning disabilities Association of America (2005)Adults with Learning

Disabilities. Pittsburgh, PA.

Learning Disabilities nursing Retrieved April, 6 2010 from

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

National Center for Learning Disabilities (2009) Learning Disability at a Glance.

Retrieved April 4,2010 from http://www.ncld.org

Swiereinsky, D.(2001). Learning Disability. Retrieved March 24,2010 from

http://www.brainsource.com/learndis.htm

Top 5 Emotional Difficulties of People with Learning Disabilities Retrieved

March 24, 2010 from http://www.ldpride.net/emotions.htm