Nancie Payne, Ph.D.
Nancie Payne, Ph.D.

Question:

I am an adult and I struggle with what I feel is a learning disability. I have always struggled with learning math, even though I always liked it. I also have trouble comprehending and retaining things long term especially since I’ve gotten older. Even though I have had pretty decent jobs for someone with my educational background, I have had lots of failure as well. I also have four children, who all struggle with math and I want to be able to help them with their homework. I feel as of now that my math level is behind theirs. I want to attend the GED classes offered, but am too ashamed of failing or showing that a high school graduate has a 7th grade math level. Please help me so that I can help my kids. Thanks!

Answer:

Thank you for sharing a little of your story. I can tell you have had your trials throughout your life and yet, think about how smart you are! Yes – smart… You are very much aware that you want to help your children so they do not encounter the same things you have – that to me is smart thinking.

Please try going to the GED classes – the reason is you will see that many in the program have a variety of difficulties and struggle with one thing or another just as you have described – some with reading and comprehension, some with writing and some with math. The purpose of adult education and GED programs is to assist you in ways you have probably not been assisted before… so at least call and see if you can make an appointment with the instructor before the class or after the class – that way you can share a little and see whether it’s the right place for you.

Another program that may be available is a family literacy program where you and your children can go together and learn Math as a family. Ask the adult education/GED instructor about whether there is a program in your area and whether you can get in.

Finally, there are volunteer literacy tutors who come to your home (or you meet in the library, etc.) and will work will you on the math area. You should be able to access some assistance for your children as well from their school-programs. Each school is supposed to have some tutorial and remedial assistance for children who are not performing as well as they should be.

I hope this information is helpful. Thank you for contacting LDA.

Nancie Payne, Ph.D. | President/CEO | Payne & Associates, Inc.

Dr. Payne is the President/CEO of Payne & Associates, Inc. She provides education, training and employment services and supports to adolescents and adults who have cognitive, non-apparent disabilities. She, also, provides professional development and consultation to businesses and organizations. Currently, Dr. Payne is serving as President of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, 2014-16.