Download Screening Adults for Learning Disabilities
What is learning disability (LD) screening?
Screening is the first step in the process of gathering relevant information about an individual with a suspected learning disability. Screening does not determine whether or not the person has a learning disability. It may include observations,
informal interviews, the use of a written tool, and/or a review of medical, school, or work histories.
How is LD screening different from LD diagnosis?
An LD diagnosis is a formal assessment that determines the actual presence of a learning disability. LD screening is an informal process that shows whether there is a probability that the person might have an undiagnosed learning disability. Informal screening can be done by an advocate for the person with a suspected learning disability, but formal diagnosis must be done by a qualified professional who can evaluate learning disabilities.
Why should LD screening be done?
Adults who have struggled with school and work may have undiagnosed learning disabilities. Screening is a way for an advocate to better determine the probability of the suspected learning disability, and to help the person decide if he or she needs to continue with an LD diagnosis. Also, LD screening can identify areas of strengths and challenges that will help the person better understand why he or she has struggled in certain areas of life. Knowing one’s strengths can help
determine the best strategies and/or technology to use to succeed in school and work.
Observations
Observations may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Does the person show unexpected underachievement in some areas, but demonstrates at least average ability in other areas?
- Does the person show signs of poor vision or hearing?
- Does the person having problems in the following areas: reading (oral and silent), expressive language (writing, spelling, handwriting), or math?
- Does the person exhibit social behaviors that can
interfere with learning, working, or daily living?
Informal Interviews
Advocates who conduct LD screening may ask the person, in an informal discussion, some questions about their past successes and challenges. The answers may indicate past behaviors, events, or characteristics that are associated with adults who have learning disabilities. Typical questions may include:
- Did you get special help in school?
- Do any of your family members have problems learning?
- Have you had difficulty getting or keeping a job?
- Do you have problems with reading, writing, or math skills?
- What do you enjoy most, and why?
Informed Consent and Confidentiality
Informed consent ensures that the person undergoing the screening process understands the purpose of the screening, who will conduct the screening, how the results will be used, and how confidentiality will be maintained. Individual screenings by advocates should include a signed consent which should include the following information:
- The name of the screening instruments used
- The interval of time for screening
- The purpose of screening
- Who will see the results
- How the results will be used
- Where the forms will be stored and for how long
- The adult’s signature and date
- The advocate’s signature
Screening Tools
There are a number of screening tools available for advocates to use with the person who may have an undiagnosed learning disability. Some of these tools require special training, while others are available online. Some tools are free; others require training and may have associated training costs.
It is important, however, to choose a screening tool that is designed for the appropriate age group. When conducted and reviewed appropriately, using the right screening tool can be a valuable step in determining the need to seek further advice and evaluation.
Screening tools should also be:
- Inexpensive
- Quick to administer, score, and easy to interpret
- Narrow in purpose
- Able to provide information in several areas, such as language, motor and social skills
LD Screening Follow-Up
Advocates should be familiar with follow-up resources for those whose screening indicates a strong possibility of a learning disability, especially if the lack of documentation is a barrier to completing educational and career goals. The appropriate next step is to locate a licensed diagnostician to complete a formal LD assessment. For more information about LD assessments, see the information page at Adults Learning Disabilities Assessment Process.
Resources
- Learning Needs Screening Tool, http://onestops.info/pdf/LearningNeedsTool.pdf
- National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), Adults and College Students, http://ncld.org/age-related-content/college-adult
- National Center on Workforce and Disability Screening Tool, http://www.http://onestops.info/article.php?article_id=28
- Adult LD Characteristics, http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/agencywide/documents/pub/dhs16_146029.pdf
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NEED HEL & INFO ABOUT RETAKING GED TEST
I really need my Ged. I have a problem and always had a problem when it comes to math i just cant get it or understand it. It becomes overwhelming and too much for my brain i have took the math 5 times and i just cant pass it for nothing in the world i been taking Ged classes and still cant pass this test. I don’t know what else to do besides give up right now and my class graduate next week and i can’t graduate with them
Omg im sooo sorry to hear that i hope everything is ok that’s how i feel i don’t understand math only the easy stuff like adding it’s sad sometimes I cry to myself i know im not alone i wish i was smart enough 🙁
Do not give up. The key is to find special education teacher to help with GED. You may want to reach out to your local WIOA Center, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, College Tutoring Service. Just make sure you don’t give up. Make sure they ability match your disability.
WAS TOLD I WOULDNT HAVE TO NOW THEY SAY I DO HAVE TO TO GET MY GED.WAS IN SPECIAL ED CLASSES AS A CHILD SO IT WAS TRULY A MIRICAL I PASSED THE TEST AT ALL NOW 45 AND NEED A JOB A REAL JOB THIS TIME NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER JUST WONDERING IS IT TRUE THAT I HAVE TO TAKE THE WHOLE TEST OVER AGAIN OR WAS I MIS INFORMED?
Paul, did you receive a High School Diploma or a GED in the past?
If you have already taken and passed the GED test in the past, you don’t need to take it again. But you may need to have a copy of your diploma if employers want to see it.
If you finished high school and got your high school diploma, you don’t need to take the GED tests.
If you took the GED in the past, but you didn’t pass all the parts of the test, you will have to take the whole thing over again.
If you send me an email at prwhite@madisoncounty.net about where you live and where you studied for the GED, I can maybe help you with more specific information.
I have trouble at the nursing home doing my job because it takes me along time to learn it. After I got out of high school I thought I would be normal, I di not want no one to know I was in special ed. But now it shows. I am having so much problems it sticks out. I am afraid to ask for help at work.I am afraid to work full time. And now I adopted a child, did not know how to get help of my husband that something bad to child.Now he got custody. I am suppost to pay him everything I get . not have no money for gas to live in my car. Just because I open up my heart and adopted.
I was just let go from a job as a security detention officer were I work their for 16 yrs it’s a contract job and now I have to seek employment else where. My real passion is law enforcement but I cannot pass the cjbat and other tests required. I cry to myself at times cause I wish I didn’t have this learning disability problem. Now I’m looking into have an assessment test so I can get an accommodation to work in Florida any advise someone can give me?
Try a different job?
Passion and law enforcement?
Not really easy bedfellows due to a lot of crime being due to passion if you had heard the saying.
If The passion is the law? or processes of law?
there are many many jobs available to you that you might have valuable insight into…that arefarmore worthwhile pursuing foryourself than directl involveent in the justice system.
The very fact you have a learning dsisorder that affects your potential capalities as an officer of the peace?
ay well lead you to a path of great insight into how best the law might deal with learning disordered offendors…
im particularly thinking of those who can pass those tests by conning them…
the psychopath…which is a type of emotional learning disorder but their shallow charm and conning affect allow them through such a screening.
your honesty?
means im far likely to trust you as a peace officer than anyive met who are conning /passing thistest.
youmay suffer from a little naivete in the role but thats what learning is about..
but with soe who pass that test who are evidently achievellian and anipulative psychopaths?
then it appears the theory is out of kilter with reality..
it seems some learning disorders are more socially manouvering and underhand than others.
id suggest criminology myself…the rendevous of many any disciplines to become uber offficers of the theory of law enforcement,,,
no badge required.
and trainingn as a psychologiucalprofiler,social justice academic??
these doors are wide open i suspect.
And a way into the very topechelons of the career you want, youve just got to be good at it, which requires passion,,,
im barred from a law enforcement job cos ive been forced to physically defend myself against really brutal ones who then lie about who the aggressor was…and dont often realise it was them or certaiunly dont concede that a facist dictatorial manner and attitude is going to go down to well.
I was planning on becoming a peace officer myself. I loved everything about my criminal justice classes. But with time I realized that it would be a mistake for me to get into that field. If you enjoy working with people, you might consider working with juvenile offenders as a counselor. You’ll find that there are a lot who have learning or other types of issues. You could really be able to help others with what you have experienced.
I have struggled with my disability for a very long time, I do my best to hid it but at work I am frequently embarrassed by my inability to do what seem so easy for others. At 34 and with the threat of losing a great job I am going to get assessed. I hope taking this step will help improve my quality of life, and allow me to finish my education.
Hi My name is amber and all My life iv always failed in school…always. there was some stuff I was good in like English and language arts, and science somewhat,but iv always failed math…I’m going to school now to try to get My equivalency high school daploma and I just feel I can’t pass it..I feel like My brain just scrambles when I go to take a test I can’t concentate and I don’t get maybe what so ever!!!! I think I really have a learning disabilaty…what should I do??!!
How is everything now with you? I have the same problem.
My husband is a very hard worker. He has been diagnosed with Dyslexia since he was a child. He is applying for a job with a company that welcomes individuals with disabilities. The position requires documentation of his disability. We submitted the only paper we had which was from 1981. He never completed a full year at any school. They need more updated paperwork. We don’t have insurance and are extremely low income. All 4 of our children have been classified as well. I have called at least 20 different doctors and the price range for testing adults is $800-$3,000. Do you have any other suggestions or clinicals that would test him? Thank you, Karen
I was tested in 5th grade I believe and I was told I had 3 learning disabilities. I was put in regulars classes and separated out from my class when taking exams. Because I was so young then, I don’t remember what the doctor explained to me about which disabilities I have. I’ve since called the school for records and checked with my mom, but no one kept the test results. I am having a lot of trouble in work and in my marriage and I am trying to get help. Is there a way that I can get tested again now that I’m an adult? Or look up previous tests from years ago? Thank you.
Where do you go to find out if you have a learning disability in Dallas Texas? I was in special ed in elementary school and was move to resources in the tenth grade. I have two kids with adhd and needed to know if I should go get tested.
Call up “DARS” in Dallas TX. They will test you for free to see if you have a learning disability.
Hi,I was wondering where and how I can take this test? A little about my past and present self. As a kid and teenager I struggled in school and was placed in specail education. In high school I tested high enough to be placed in regular education classes but with an I.E.P. I had to do most of my exams seperate from the classroom or had extensions on my school work. From then till now I’ve had a hard time processing information . I have a bad short term memory I need to do things repetitively for me to remember. This makes jobs diffficult cause I will get trained on specific task and may not do it until days later and then I’m drawing a blank and can’t do it. I struggle in math I need a pen and paper to be able to solve problems. Cause I can’t do it off my head. Staying focused is troubling for me too. Which is hard in the work place. As I’ve gotten older it has got better but issues are still there. I have asked my parents but nerver got a straight answer from my parents. Only denial,which makes it harder cause years ago I overheard my mother on the phone with her friend and she referred to me as “slow”. That really stuck with me to this day and makes me want to know and understand more about any issues I may have. So if I could get information it would be appreciated thanks
Hi, I am glad to have read other LD comments regarding their struggles comment learning disability. I did not know I had learning disability until my girlfriend had ask me to get my medical records from the hospital. I had problems at school and following life instructions since when I was young boy up until my adult. I find it hard
to explain things to people even writing this I
find it difficult. Sometimes my mind means well
but I find it hard to do things when it involving
making a decision. I did finished high school
through summer school and I thought my would get better but still having problems. I feel
so much pressure writing this. I feel so ashamed asking for help although I need it badly. My problem is I have to force my self mentaly to do things to get them done and I feel mentally drained. I read every one comment and I am having difficulty in writing my own. This how my brain function and this upset me about myself.
I am a mom of a 24 yr old who had consistent IEP’s in high school with the diagnosis of Learning Disabled. Can this IEP serve as proof of disability now- for applying for assistance from social security or is there other testing that needs to be done for this? Thank you.
HELP! My husband was on special ed when he was younger (and thrived) then the principal placed him back on regular school and flunked. He went to school but missed a lot of subjects. He tried getting his GED but it seems that he cannot learn.
I don’t know where to go or how to help him. He got laid off and now unemployed and his lack of GED or high school is preventing him to get into a work. Btw, he is big, diabetic and not a handy man. He can do customer service but without the GED… 🙁
Please help us. We are in East Los Angeles.
I was wondering if you applied for SSI if so how did it go
We need to get our son evaluated specifically for LD Type. We have a psychological evaluation but need a separate evaluation for LD Type. He has been diagnosed with AD/HD and the medications only make him drowsy but still unable to function in college. Where can we go in Orlando, Florida to get him evaluated.
Please help.
I think i may have a learning disability and don’t know where i need to start for help.
I’ve recently been informed during a session w/ my psychiatrist that I probably have an LD. I’m 43 yrs old and on Soc. Sec. disability for severe PTSD & major depression; although I’m currently enrolled in college (online) I’ve NEVER successfully completed ANY type of math course in any form… I was expelled from high school after attending 2 yrs (but only attaining 2 credits w/ NONE for math) & further advised to drop out. When I acquired my GED, my score for the math portion was 50%. My income is VERY limited, as is my time…the college math courses have been delayed (by me) but now I HAVE to take them in order to get my degree. Apparently, everything happens for a reason? However, if my Medicare coverage makes me eligible for assistance to whom to I go for evaluation? Where/how do I start? HELP!?!?
My son has struggled with his social and comprehension skills. From K-12th grade he was in IEP, yet his doctors kept denying that he has a problem. How/ where can I get him tested ? Because I do not know what is exactly what his condition is, I do not know how to help. I have been struggling with helping him for years. He cannot find a job nor can he is able to start college classes. I asked if he could be tested for Asperger’s Syndrome, but they told me there is nothing wrong with him.
Help in California…
My fiance who is a very sweet person, loves to work with his hands, has been looking for steady employment for years, He has issues focusing when it comes to reading, anythind with the computer scares him. How can we get him evaluated.
My is 20 and says he thinks he has LD, need to know where I can take him Chicago IL to have him tested
I am 60 yrs old now and have strugged all life with math, and other.issue. there was no help for me growing up. it has limited me in several areas of my life. I was afraid of pursuing higher education because I knew math would always be a barrier for me. Howe ver my creative side became my saving grace, and an escape for me. But even now with some of my current ideas that could be very financially sucessful, I still face a new fear not just of failure , but the challange of success and all that comes with it. Is there still hope and help for me. David.
I’ve Ben blessed to have always had work but I struggle in classes that I have to take for my job last grade complete was the sixth grade I’m fifty one now and was in spechel Ed classes I have panic attacks just because I know I have a learning disability in the last one in the class room when it come to taking a test but at least I’m passing for now I’ve Beñat my present job for fifteen years . I just don’t know how much longer they well put up with me . I’d like to get my GED but was always afrade I’d fail. God has blessed me with three beatyful and very smart kids all are in advanced classes and two of them have already gotten thur high school…..I’m worried that I’ll never get my ged
My Son is almost done with college. All his school life he was in special ed his IEP expired but now college is asking for testing and diagnosis so they can accommodate his test. Where can I go to get him tested?
Since I was younger I have always suffered with phonetics and spelling. It is now as an adult in grad school, that I noticed how bad I really am. I am looking for away to test for a learning disability. Please, any advise would be great.
I’m from South Florida. Looking for a testing center for adult near by.
I would love to learn more about this. I was searching the web looking for help in this area. I have never been diagnosed with any learning disability, however, I have had constant struggles. I have managed to get around it with high verbal abilities and great proof readers.
I have been limited through my whole career because of my poor grammar, and spelling. I would just avoid situations that would call me out. This has limited my writing and moving forward in my education. I have been asked to consider returning to school for my masters- but fear that I will not be able to move forward. So can you teach an old dog, new tricks?
I live in IL what would be my first step?
I have a learning disability and started college now I am struggling with it and was told I need to get an education evaluation. I am struggling to find out were to go for it. I need help I am getting frustrated cause I don’t understand the stuff and it takes me longer than others n my class can someone steer me in the right direction as to what exactly I need to do to get this stuff started.
I am looking for a place in the Dayton, OH area that could preform the screening. Any suggestions?
Yes I’m disable with a deafness in my right ear and with RA (arthritis),also High blood pressure also with so many heavy blow in my head (such car accident and bat, hockey buck etc) cause mental impairment, I always try to improve myself reading and comprehensive in listening carefully and expressing verbally to others, I’m bilingual (Spanish and English) I relearn again the English and Spanish language and willing to embrace my skills to a challenging world of today’s technology ” it has been said by many: not knowing how to use a computer and comprehends it’s technology ,is like not knowing how to read and write
I’m a senior in highschool and I’m really struggling with my homework. I don’t understand anything that I am being taught and when my teachers help me I still don’t understand what I’m supposed to do. I took a test my freshman year to see if I needed to be in special ed but I scored too high. I don’t think the test was suited for my age though. It consisted of looking at a picture of blocks rearranged in different styles for a few seconds and having to mimic what it showed multiple times. I have great memory so I passed that easily. I only struggled like once or twice at the end. There was one where it had sentences with words replaced by pictures and you had to fill it in. I don’t know what the point of that was. In my physics class we are given packets that tell you everything you have to do but i literally do not see that when I read it. I’m not quite sure what they are referring to when they say speech is affected but I can’t pronounce things correctly and when I speak I have to stop to think of words because my vocabulary likes to go blank sometimes. Also, I tend to forget what I’m going to say after I start a sentence which makes no sense to me because I really do have a great memory. My overall point of this was I’m a senior in high school… am I too far along to consider testing? I mean, whats the point? Should I just get a tutor instead? How does being diagnosed with a learning disorder affect your adult life? Do you get any special help as an adult? If I’m diagnosed with a learning disorder will that lessen the amount of opportunities I may have when seeking employment?
I have been told that I have a ld back in 1985 when I got in trouble as a teenager. I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade because I had a hard time keeping up with the rest of the class . Tried to work a job sense then but cannot seem to hold on to one no more than a year. I know there is something wrong with me . I’m 45 years old today and I need help . I have no medical insurance and no family. I live in Fredericksburg Virginia. Is there any way that I can get help.
IT’s just so sad that all of these people commenting here including myself feel lost and don’t have anyone to answer their questions. I wish this site would not leave us blowing in the wind.I know it’s hard to run a site but people like me need direction and resources so we can see what the options are. I’m a 50 year old woman with problems spanning back since childhood that have affected my ability to acheive normal milestones. School was always hard for me and no matter how much I studied, I’d fail in most subjects. My self-esteem was so low, I dropped out of HS in the 11th grade. These feelings followed me and I could never hold a job and had to take mostly cleaning and caregiving jobs just to survive and to feel like I was contributing something to society.Everytime I tried to go back to school or take college courses, I’d drop out because I could not understand the instructions and would get poor grades. Because of this, all of my dreams and Desires to get through college to have a career in psychology began fading away. What I think is patently unfair is that the education system has set impossible measures and if you don’t have a degree, you are ‘nothing’…and are blocked from pursuing a decent livelihood. I”ve only been able to survive because I am a woman who married and gratefully my husband is understanding. Sadly, being dependent on another human being so much pushes the sense of worth even lower. I’ve also been affected socially and can’t seem to connect in normal ways with other people. I know only people with LEARNING problems will understand all I have written here.
Gia, I have read your comment, I understand cause i have LD, im in my early 20s. I know the struggles, Iv taken several courses since HS. CE classes, all that became unsuccessful or droping out. it sure can take a toll on your esteem. your not alone, dont let society tell you what to be or do or what you are, especially in a negative manner and stereotype. like what you were saying bout college. the most important thing is you have a husband that supports you, Im in the same boat like many with ld. I also have other things as well, it makes it hard to achieve often even to first base. dont dwell on the past about not getting where you wanted, think in the now and future with out anxiety. I got it it hard, i was special ed, iv only worked entry level, low income jobs, most witch i was let go after a short span. its tough, it causes lots of frustration, and confusion with employment, relationships, and independencey. learn to accept. grab it by the horns.
@GIA – I truly understand you and your frustrations. I am a single mother of 18 years with three stilll at home and going on 50. I just got terminated yesterday from my job just one month shy of a year. They gave me no reason however they had me take a math test that same morning – which I was told by my co-worker whom sat in while I took the test that I didnt do well. Coincidentally two weeks before I shared with my lead that I had a learning disibility. I called my sister that night and told her that I had revieled my LD to my c-worker and she was worried that it would back fire!!! it did…. I have stuggled my entire life with this since a kid. I always felt so left out and behind. Sad thing is my parents never had a clue. My self esteem is probably a 1 out of 10. one strong attribute that I carry is being a hard worker and very clean never lazy. Suicide has entered my head many many times because I feel like such a failure. The only reason Im still breathing today is due to my fear of GOD.
Excuse me, but where do you go to have an LD test done? What kind of doctor am I supposed to look for?
I am person help with math,reading,math i konw I have learning disabilities where do I go for adult help
I was in special class when I was at high school I have got help. But my thing is that now I have 2 kids and my oldest is SMART and my other one he not doing so well. So I was just wondering is it in my geans . If so , I would I go by trying to get some kind of SSI cause right now I need some kind of help and I was thinking about going to some schools to fared my education…..
Hi , am looking for help to getting papers stating the I do have LD, I had help all my school years up to High School, But now I need paperwork for jobs and school, I have had an assessment back in 2008 done by Social Services but never received any paperwork, right now am in 30+ and have problem with spelling, always had problems with math and learning to write what am thinking and how to explain what I need to say, right now am using program Grammarly which has help some, I also have children with LD such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) , (ADD) attention deficit disorder , and Dysgraphia, two have IEP and one is 504, I had help in my school years but it wasn’t called IEPs like it is today, I been going from jobs to jobs, I have kept jobs more than 3 years until 2007. But now I need help with evidence-based assessment for work, school, and another area that ask for paperwork, I have had anxiety attack while on the job which I never had before until 2014 working on internship from school, I need to know where to go and what papers I need as evidence that I do have LD now as an adult ..I do have all my school paper from elementary to high school that’s how I knew I have LD and help my kids cope with theirs.
Many people are struggling with their disabilities. Some have it since their childhood and many struggle with it at their workforce. They feel embarrassment as they can’t do a few things which others can do easily. They live under constant threat of losing their jobs. Screening and diagnosis both are necessary to start effective treatment for LD. To know more about autism, LD and the treatment options available, please visit: https://www.therapytribe.com/therapy/therapy-for-autism-and-aspergers/
I have a learning disability. Since I can remember , I always knew something was wrong. I was always having a very hard time with stuff that all the other kids found easy! In the 8th grade I was put in remedial math class and my tests were modified. Yesterday was my last day for college and I failed 3 of my BASIC skills test… Everyone else passed and got to go home while I stayed behind to attempt it a second time. This LD effects my life. I don’t know what else to do! I don’ t know where to find a job, who’s going to hire someone like me? Im depressed. Anyone know where I can get help in Dallas TX? I can’t take this anymore. I can only get LOW paying jobs because all the high paying jobs don’t call me back!
I am trying to find someone to provide a LD diagnosis test for me in Winchester, VA. I took one after high school and need an updated one. Please help with providing a direction forward.
Hi my name is Matt I work fir the national parks full time I was in the special ed hole life had some classes but could not pass 400 level lb classes. Now I ha awesome job move up fast from a WG3 TO A WG10 PERMANT I would like to be a supervisor one day but feel that I need help wold like to get avuated so I can get resonewable acomidations
Hi my name is Chris 32 I work for a family business caring for mentally challenged adults. I grew up in special education, struggled in school because of my Learning Disabilities. I Graduated from high school it took me a year and half later to pass the high school exam. I have my high school Diploma, I been living with a broken heart of my shattered dreams of becoming a Pediatrician to honor my sister. That died when I was only 3 years old from birth defects cause by my fathers exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. My birth defect is Learning Disabilities. My teacher growing up told me. I could never become a Pediatrician because I was to slow and never go to college. It broke my heart hearing those words. I still remember to this day. My learning effects my ability to Read, spelling, social skill and processing speed. I really hate my life and job working in the family business caring for mentally challenged adults because it remind me of my childhood. That brought me so much pain to this day. I’ve attempted suicide many time as my will live and slowly dying on the inside. Because of my life and have given up on my dreams. I don’t know where to go for help with my Learning Disabilities. I’ve been in and out of Psyhic Hospital due to my Bipolar depression cause by thing my curse Learning Disabilities.
I’ve got 2 adult sons that need screening. How do we go about this?
I am reading through all these cries for help on this site and they are all legit. I’m flabbergasted that it doesn’t seem like anyone is monitoring this site to read and offer suggestions or help to all these people. What good is this site if no one knows where to go to get the screening, assessment and help they need? This site would do well to start posting legitimate resources for every major metropolitan area just for starters if they really want to make a difference in all these people’s lives! I’m frustrated for all of you and hope and pray that someone will reach back out to you with some legit answers that would also help others reading this site that may have the same questions!
Hi Loni and thanks so much for your concern. Please rest assured that many of the comments submitted here have been responded to privately via email rather than online and in public here where they may or may not come back to read them here.
We do tend to put out as much general information as we can on the site (like this article, our sections for Adults, Parents, Educators and Professionals, our Ask the Expert section, our newsletters, our members-only benefits, etc.). However, as each state and locality can have different options, regulations or options, and the continually changing nature of these things, we find it’s best to address individual requests directly via email or phone.
Again, thank you so much for your concern! We’re glad for the suggestions in your comment.
I and others on this thread evidently have had the same concern as Loni, after reading such cries for help and zero response. If and when a private response has been made, without leaving any specifics, can someone leave just a short generic message such as “Private message sent.” Otherwise, future readers who truly need help will feel discouraged to reach out, thinking no one’s listening.
Hello Andrea,
Thanks for your concern. This has been brought up on this very thread before and has been answered (see here: https://ldaamerica.org/screening-adults-for-learning-disabilities/#comment-192877). We do try to answer questions to the best of our ability either here or via email, if the question or concern warrants. We are an almost solely volunteer based organization and sometimes, despite our best efforts, it takes a few days to gather the answers. Thank you so much for your patience.
For along time since i could remember i knew i wasn’t smart enough i hate to say it and its anothing reason why i have anxiety and depression i wish i could do math and i wish my writing and spelling was good but its not i think my level of reading and math is of a second grader they wanted to put me in special ed when i got to high school but i didnt want to go so i stop going to school and i think i made it to high school because i was a good student and the teachers wanted me to get out of the school already i try my best to be as smart as i can but its so embarrassing to not understand or be able to help my niece or nephew with their math homework i really dont know what to do with my life im a home health aid 28 years old still at home and i hate my life im to scared to take the GED test because i know i wont do well and im scared to start the class because i feel like people there would judge me i really need help
Hi – there’s an article here that speaks to exactly what you’re feeling and it includes a lot of great advice on how to get the GED process started and find some extra support along the way: https://ldaamerica.org/im-ashamed-of-failing/
I read these comments and see my whole life. I have severe learning disabilities (born with) was an IEP child all school years. Reading, writing, math, could have selective mutism, comprehension, memory. I live in a world with no time or dates even my address. I’ve had someone guiding me my whole life! I’m 37 and my wife has to tell me or show me things over and over and things have to stay in order. “Can’t stand change” that’s what really keeps my knowledge behind. We have two kids and I can’t help them with school work. I didn’t realize how bad I was till things started always being negative around me and me stressing out. I’ve only had one friend my whole life I’m fine with that and that’s only do to my antisocial problem. I’ve only worked 8 years total so far. My wife has let me stay home and craft out of the house for 6 years. I love to draw, build I’m just crafty always loved art. I’m getting an LD assessment test done soon! To see if I should go on disability. I don’t think I have a choice! I used the voice recognition on my phone to wirght this. Is there sites where other LD people can talk? I’m not unhappy this is the way GOD made me. I just live a more challenging life. Thanks
Where do we find someone to perform this diagnosis. I have a 20 year old grandson who has struggled in school and college and I feel some testing along with extra help in college would be extremely helpful for him he has difficulty with reading and comprehension and concentrating. He thinks he can’t do it — he studies but does very poorly on exams no matter how prepared he is.
Hi,
Take a look at the articles under this topic (https://ldaamerica.org/category/assessment-evaluation/assessment-evaluation-for-adults/). While LDA doesn’t recommend particular products or services, this is a great starting place and your state affiliate may also be able to help you find a local resource (https://ldaamerica.org/support/state-local-affiliates/)
I have problems with math and it is on my way to graduate. i’m retaking math and I thought that I would do better, but I didn’t. This is giving me emotional problems like insecurity, and depression. It happened last semester. I just can learn math and I forget everything. It is frustrating because I’m 36 years old. I passed all my other classes but math is holding me back.
hi im trying to figure out were i can find out what type of learing disabily i have and im trying to find out how i would get all the help i need to go to college and i have a high school deplma if you can please help me i also appled for ssi but i keep getting denined and im tryoing to see were i can get tested and i what i need to do
I had trouble with subjects when I was in school, and still do. But I only got tested to see was I post to be in a ed classroom but they never came back with the results. So I stayed in regular ed and had a hard time. I almost didn’t graduated. But I’m asking is it possible at a grown age to get check for LD and how do I?
Hi, who exactly diagnoses adults with LD? Will a physician be able to diagnose an adult or will they have to go to a specialist of some sort?
My name is Starla Butler. I had to leave school because I could not keep up. I tried so hard some nights I stayed up trying to complete my assignments. I have been searching for help for years. Where can I get an assessment done? I am on a fixed income due to my disability.
Hi, I am 24 years old and starting college again. The first time I went to school, I started at 17 in an English liberal arts program. That degree would be complete, had I taken the math required for it (96). However I never took the math, or the GED because I was so terrified I would fail the algebra portion. I am now a cna. I have no problems at work using applied math, organizing time or anything. I excel in English, writing and science. I placed into English 102 in college. I took honors classes in high school, was in debate, photography and hands on tech/ AV club. However I struggle emmensley with algebra and fractions, even simple negative values. I’m in math 95 right now and I seem to be struggling more than any other student. To the point that I am in tears and I spend probably fifteen hours a week in the tutoring center. I’m starting to wonder if something is wrong? The concepts just don’t make any sense at all to me. I cry and stress to the point of being physically ill on a daily basis over this math class, but in some of my other classes I have top scores and things come very naturally to me. I’m wondering if maybe I have a learning disability that specifically applies to mathematical concepts and numbers in general. I can’t even do simple math in my head. But I could write a perfectly formatted paper in half an hour or explain advanced anatomy with ease. I do fine with easy formulas for dosage calculations ect. I don’t know what to do from here. I feel ashamed and left behind and I feel as though my tutors and teacher view me as stupid for not understanding. But I have found that if I put math concepts into written word steps I can grasp and learn the concept within a few hours of independent study, with someone there to check my work. I don’t know what to do. I feel as though I should leave college and give up nursing as my profession because I can’t imagine having to go all the way up to calculus for my BSN. I feel like I am stupid, unintelligent or that there is something fundamentally wrong with me and I don’t know what to do. I also am bipolar and have poor short term memory due to excessive electro convulsive therapy that lasted for three years along with an excessive amount of medication I was taking for about eight years. When I am able to understand mathematics though, I truly enjoy it. I think it’s fun. But it seems as though I’m not learning at the same pace or in the same way as my peers. I am so discouraged, stressed and upset over this. I feel I will always be seen as third rate because I have struggle with mental health and neurological issues throughout my life. And I’m afraid if I have some kind of learning disability that requires accommodations I will be barred from practicing in nursing or being admitted to a program at all. I have been offered accommodations for my memory issues and have refused out of embarrassment. Please help. I’m not sure what to do other than give up and lose the career I am truly passionate about and in love with.
This sounds like my history with math as a child. Only math. I do not consider myself learning disabled in the least but realize there was a strange disconnect with math subjects. I did pass my college math courses as an adult but worked hard at it.
It is highly known that girls can have problems understanding math. No one labeled girls in my school as learning disabled because success at math problem solving eluded them.
When I was in the 2nd grade my teacher would torment any student who could not figure a problem out in their head while she stood behind them. She would shake a student violently by the head if an answer was incorrect. This is what I believe caused my issues with math.
It was during the mid sixties before teacher abuse was recognized by mainstream. I would suggest that some of you may have also had instances of stress during math class that created a basic learning problem. Math is a subject that either clicks or not and if you are advanced in language skills, I would doubt an actual across the board learning disability.
Teachers back in the day did not recognize the learning difficulties girls had with math and now many have suggested girls need to be taught math in classrooms with females only. I agree with that and can remember how intimidated I felt during math class with boys always being the ones who figured out the oral problems when going around the room for answers, as the teacher would sometimes do.
It is not unreasonable to think a tutor could help you to decipher your true potential
I am a 40 year old male. All the way up until my college years i have had trouble with my reading comprehension and of math. i had to have teachers to read the questions to the tests i take and i would choose answers correctly most of the time. Even today i am having trouble understanding what i read. Math was the same way. Technical math i can do. Algebra never figured it out. I struggled through algebra in and college.
My husband has always had a hard time reading and writing and now is at a crossroads looking for a job but we think it will be difficult for the same reason. Where can he get tested for a learning disability in southern California?
Hello,
My mother is 62 and has learning disability. Because of her disability she is not able to get US Citizenship. For the US Citizenship everyone should pass the English language and Civics test. Which my mother cannot take because English is not her first language and she never learned English.
My mother lives in Portland, Oregon. Can someone guide me how and where to take the screening test for learning disability in Portland.
Thanks,
Ajmal
HI! I WAS ALWAYS IN SPECIAL ED CLASSES SINCE I WAS IN ELENTARY. I DIDNT REALLY UNDERSTAND ALL THAT AND ALSO BEING AN ADULT STILL DONT UNDERSAND ALSO MY 2 KIDS SUFFER FROM IT, I TRY TO HELP THEM WITH SCHOOL BUT ITS HARD FOR ME. I ALSO WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND GET A DEGREE IN BUSINESS TO HELP MY HUSBAND OUT BUT THERE IS TIME THAT I FEAK WHAT IM DOING TO GET BY. I NEED HELP.
Hello! I am in the Province of Ontario in Canada….I need to get my
Learning disability assessed. Is there free testing etc like on this site I can do? Struggling for answers. Thank you! Michelle
I live in Delaware, and I want to get tested for a disability. I have no idea where to go and this website does not have any information for my state. Where do I go?
Greetings:
I am pursuing fragments of my adult 32 year old self through the Internet. I have always had some difficulty retaining information, following directions at some point, sustaining long conversations without losing focus, explaining a concept, discussing complex topics I have not been able to grasp, among other difficulties. I have survived without medication or even going to a doctor for a proper diagnosis, using mindfulness tools and grounding techniques found in my adulthood through my discovery of yoga and meditation.
There are still bad days when I am not able to communicate satisfactorially when I need to. As socially charming as I have learned to be for most situations, I most feel at home by myself, away from scrutiny, possible awkward instances in which I feel like a social failure, etc.
I would like to pursue this thread of knowing why I feel “disabled” somehow. What may I have, how to counter it. How to become better at being me because sometimes I rather find myself exhausting to try to understand on my own.
I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, I would recommend that you contact a physician in your area who has experience in working with adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and make an appointment. Hopefully this professional can help to determine if you have AD/HD and if medication would help. Then find a licensed professional in your area to schedule an assessment to see if you might have a learning disability. A psychological evaluation will also include recommendations for you on ways to compensate for your deficits. Good luck!
It’s been over ten years since I been out of school, now that I want to go back to school ( college) I can’t get into the program because I need more time to take the test. I know I have a learning disability because I have had one all my life, my is question to you is where do I go to get re tested so I can have accommodations. To attend school again
Congratulations on your decision to return to college! You can find information about LD evaluations at https://ldaamerica.org/adult-learning-disability-assessment-process/. Your college’s disability services office may have suggestions for local providers of LD evaluations as well. You may also want to apply for services with your local Vocational Rehabilitation (RSA) agency. If they accept you as a client, they may be able to do the LD evaluation as part of your intake services. Sometimes, if RSA funding is available, they may also be able to pay for some of your college tuition. Read the information at https://ldaamerica.org/rehabilitation-services-administration-rsa/ to find out more about RSA services and how to find your local RSA office.