Learning Disability in Adults

What Is a Learning Disability?

Learning disability is a term used to describe a range of learning and thinking differences. These differences can affect the way the brain takes in, uses, stores, and sends out information.

Some individuals have specific learning disabilities (also known as LDs), such as reading or math disabilities. Others may have conditions that affect learning like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many individuals with learning differences and difficulties can have more than one learning disability or condition that affects learning.

Speech Therapy in the Persian Speech Clinic can help them improve their learning abilities.

ADHD and Attention Difficulties

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a lifelong brain disorder that makes it hard for a person to pay attention. Some people with ADHD have trouble sitting still or controlling their behavior.

Causes of ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. The most likely cause is genetics. Many children with ADHD have a family history of the disorder.

Signs of ADHD

A person with ADHD may show some of the following signs:

Inattention

• Has trouble concentrating
• Starts thinking about other things
• Has problems staying focused on tasks
• Does not seem to listen
• Does better on some tasks than others
• Has problems planning, organizing, and finishing tasks on time
• Has problems learning new things

Hyperactivity

• Seems unable to sit still
• Is restless and fidgety
• May bounce from one activity to the next
• Often tries to do more than one thing at once

Impulsivity

• May act before thinking
• Has problems waiting their turn, such as when playing a game

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will commonly have problems and delays in their speech, language, and communication. Speech and language therapy is highly beneficial in improving, supporting, and developing any speech, language, or communication difficulties.

Common difficulties that Speech Therapy and our team can help with for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may include:

• Social communication problems
• Problems with social understanding
• Problems with attention and listening skills
• Literal language – difficulty with metaphors or sarcasm
• Expressive language (verbal and written)
• Understanding of language
• Non-verbal communication including facial expressions, gestures