Learning disorders stem from neurological differences in the way we process information, and they usually show up pretty early in life. But what happens when a learning disorder goes undiagnosed or improperly treated? A learning disorder like dyslexia or ADHD will always affect someone's life, and challenges may be particularly tough if they don't get help in childhood.
Issues Completing Education
Many teenagers with learning disabilities give up on school altogether. Difficulties with reading, writing, and understanding lectures often leads to more frustration than they are able to endure alone. Some people may finish high school but forego college because they fear they won't be able to keep up. Without a healthy understanding of how they can adjust their studying to succeed, a child may turn into an adult who doesn't even attempt an advanced degree.
Unhealthy Coping Skills
Adults may also develop less-than-healthy coping skills for dealing with their learning disabilities because they didn't have guidance as children. For instance, someone may simply avoid any situation where they expect to be asked to write something or go the way of plagiarism so they don't have their own work scrutinized. People with ADHD may seek out unhealthy ways to self-medicate because they don't understand how to cope with their attention deficits in a constructive manner.
Career Implications
An adult with a learning disability can absolutely thrive in their career of choice. However, without the proper support, they may limit themselves. Fearing the perception that they aren't smart enough, an adult with a learning difference may not strive for management positions or could quit a job that requires reading a lot of reports. With the right coping mechanisms and advice, an adult with a learning difference will open up new career possibilities.
When children are recognized to have learning disabilities, prompt evaluation and help is always a good idea. When a child develops healthy ways to cope with their differences at an early age, they can grow into an adult who manages their learning challenges and reaches their goals. If you suspect your child has a learning disorder or struggles academically, contact us! We've helped over 25,000 kids and their families for over a decade. We can help yours, too.