Do you look around at your peers and wonder why everything seems to be easier for them? Over the years, I have had a lot of people vent this frustration to me. A lot of adults with undiagnosed learning disabilities feel this way.
This is because when learning disabilities go unaddressed, individuals find ways to work around them. These “work-arounds” often allow for these individuals to get by, but they require extra effort or time. This extra effort means that simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
If you’re feeling like you might have a learning disability, it is never too late to find answers. There are a lot of resources out there for adults with learning disabilities. Learning more about how your brain works can help you figure out ways to make your life a little easier. But how do you find out for sure?
Testing for Adults with Learning Disabilities
To know for certain if you have a learning disability, you will need to take an educational or vocational assessment. These assessments can vary depending on where you’re getting it done. But often they typically involve three steps.
The first step is in-person testing. Through a battery of tests administered by an educational professional, they will gauge cognitive ability, intelligence, and processing skills. These tests will create a map of your strengths and weaknesses.
Once the test is completed, you will receive your diagnosis. This will formally state the results of your tests and whether or not you have a learning disability. It will give you a detailed report of the type of learning disability you may have.
With a diagnosis, you can receive recommendations on how to proceed. You can receive feedback on how to achieve your goals. Whether it be at work or in school, you can create a plan of what to do next. Even if you are not diagnosed with a learning disability, you will understand how your brain operates. This can help you understand why you may struggle in certain areas and how you can overcome this.
Workplace Accommodations
One of the most helpful applications of a diagnosis is implementing workplace accommodations. You can work with whomever administered your assessment to decide whether or not you need workplace accommodations. They can suggest what accommodations you may benefit from.
Workplace accommodations can vary depending on the workplace and the individual. They ensure that your disability does not hold you back from performing well in the workplace. A job accommodation is an adjustment that ensures a person with a learning disability can perform their job duties.
This can look like a flexible schedule or modifying job duties. The accommodation should be fair to the employee and the employer. Your needs should be met, as well as the employer’s. This way, you’re both benefiting from the accommodation.
If you think you’re an adult with an undiagnosed learning disability. It is not too late to start looking for answers. Schedule a phone consultation with me today to take the next steps!
