How to Care for Adults With Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect more than just your ability to learn how to read and write. They also affect how you respond to the challenges that you face in your life. If you have an adult in your life that has a learning disability there are things that you can do to help make their lives easier and more accessible. By taking these steps you will be able to help them to become more independent and more productive.

Instructions

1. Learn as much as you can about the adult’s learning disability. The modifications and accommodations required for learning disabilities are going to vary greatly depending on which learning disability the person has. For example, people with autism based learning disabilities will need the sensory elements of their environment controlled whereas people with dyslexia may only need to set up an organization system to make their work environment more functional.

2. Work with the adult to create a home and work environment that fits their needs. Most adults who have learning disabilities are fully aware of what they need to do to create a functional environment. Your job will be to use what the adult says they need to design and organize their environment to make it more functional and accessible.

3. Make things as simple as possible. Many adults with learning disabilities are overwhelmed by clutter and chaos. By removing excess clutter from their home and work environments you are reducing things that will distract, confuse or stress the adult. Without these negative environmental elements interfering with their thought processes, the adult will be able to function much better.

4. Create a schedule so the adult knows exactly what needs to be done each day. You can use a large desk calendar or a wipe off board for the schedule. The schedule will help keep confusion, frustration and anxiety to a minimum because the adult will know what to expect each day.

5. Help the adult set goals for both their personal life and professional life. Goal setting can be as simple as being able to balance their checkbook or as complicated as completing their undergraduate degree. A goal board is a great visual way to chart the progress of goals that are set. This board cab be posted on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board.

6. Understand that most adults with learning disabilities are fully capable of managing their own lives, however, they may need extra support to help them handle learning challenges. You can provide this help yourself, or you can find a professional who is trained in helping adults with learning disabilities to develop learning strategies.

Tips & Warnings

• Adults with learning disabilities are first and foremost adults. Don’t treat them like they are children, try to take over their lives or force them to live their lives the way you want them to. Think of yourself as their assistant or support person.