Learning Disabilities
Why do I have trouble learning?
Many adult students who come to adult literacy programs have had a hard
time learning. For some of these adults, Learning Disabilities may be
the cause of their problems with reading, writing, math, and other school
skills.
Just what is a Learning Disability?
A person with a Learning Disability faces major challenges learning
and using reading, writing, listening, speaking, problem-solving, reasoning,
or concentrating skills.
Why?
It is thought that the brain of an individual with a learning disability
works differently. It is not exactly known why. But more and more
people are thinking that learning disabilities are the result of
physical differences in the brain and the way the brain works. These
may be caused by differences in the brain structure or chemistry.
Some learning disabilities may be passed along
from one generation to another.
These are are not Learning Disabilities:
- a physical visual problem
- a physical hearing problem
- environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage
- emotional disturbance
- mental retardation
Any or all of these may cause learning disabilities;
by themselves they are not learning disabilities
What are some difficulties caused by learning disabilities?
If you have a learning disability, you may find that you have experienced
some of the following difficulties:
When reading:
- sounding out words
- understanding what you have just read
- reading aloud
With writing, you may have difficulties:
- spelling
- organizing your thoughts in writing
- writing neatly so others can read
- understanding what you have written
Listening difficulties can result in problems with:
- remembering what has been said
- following what is being said
- telling the difference between words that are slightly different
Speaking problems that may be related to learning disabilities
include:
- a limited vocabulary
- grammar problems
- difficulty with organizing what is to be said
When doing math, you may have difficulties:
- remembering math facts
- solving problems that take several steps
- doing simple math problems in your head
The difficulties you may have with reasoning and thinking may include
problems:
- linking related ideas
- thinking through decisions
- determining the best strategy to use in a given learning situation
Does all this mean that a person with a Learning Disability cannot
learn?
No! People with Learning Disabilities are of average or above average
intelligence. They face learning challenges, but they can learn and
succeed.
Literacy programs with staff trained in teaching adults with learning
disabilities can help students with learning disabilities determine
their specific learning challenges. They can help students to:
- identify their learning goals
- determine how they learn best
- learn strategies that will help them be better learners
- understand their learning strengths as well as their challenges
For more info
Screening Tool
Click here
to request information on learning disabilities, or contact
the
San Juan Works Career Center
3539 E. 30th Street, Suite 200
Farmington, NM 87402
(505) 566-3800
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