It’s believed that up to 10% of Americans may have undiagnosed learning disabilities they’ve carried into adulthood. The tragedy is not only that these individuals have gone through half their lives feeling frustrated and confused, but that they now carry the emotional scars too. Many adults with dyslexia and other learning disabilities have very self confidence, suffer from anxiety and experience bouts of depression. Sometimes the impact of something as basic as reading difficulties can transform into a diagnosable mental disorder, while other times it’s manifested as stress.
The challenge of coping with learning disabilities as an adult is enormous. Today, so much emphasis is placed on completing college and special needs adults are expected to fit into this mold, even when other options like vocational skills training may be more in-sync with their adult learning styles. According to the National Longitudinal Transition Study, the results are bleak, as 35% of children with learning disabilities drop out of high school (which is twice the rate for students without learning disabilities). Only 2% of high school graduates with learning disabilities transition to a four-year college.
To make the successful transition into adulthood, people must take logical steps. Jason Lopez, a student diagnosed with ADHD anxiety and auditory/visual adult learning disabilities, first made his move to Landmark College in Vermont, a two-year school for students with reading difficulties and learning disabilities. After receiving an associate’s degree, he continued to Lynn University. Marsha Glines, executive director of the school, said they help students with support services, tutoring, time management training, organizational techniques and counseling. “Some students find tremendous motivation in dispelling myths about their disabilities,” Glines adds.
There are many options for post-secondary-education as disabled individuals reach adulthood. Some go onto two or four-year college programs, vocational training or they seek out internships. For special needs adults who never graduated high school, there are continuing education programs to help them prepare for a GED test or improve academic skills in reading, writing, math and critical thinking. These adult education courses can be taken at county boards of education, colleges, community centers or private companies. Since there are no admission requirements and minimal (if any) fees, many adults with dyslexia or other disabilities feel most comfortable taking this first step.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medication available at anxietydisordercure.com.
