Testing in an adult for a possible learning disability

United States
February 3, 2011 4:04pm CST
I am trying to find out if it possible to test an adult for a learning disability that may have been missed as a child. I am at a loss where even to start looking. I have googled and yahooed both learning disability testing for and adults testing for a disability. I am in Utah and need local information if possible.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@dodo19 (47082)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
25 Feb 11
It is definitely possible to test it with adults. It can be missed. I do have a learning disability. I was lucky to find out when I was 12. But I would suggest that you go see a doctor. They can actually help you out. There are people who are trained to detect this sort of thing. Although you can maybe try and figure it out, a doctor may be in a better position to help you.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Feb 11
First of all, what makes you think that you have a learning disability? For one, learning disabilities are very specific. Dyscalculia, for example, is the term used for math-related disorders (i.e. problems in mathematical thinking). We also know of the more popular Dyslexia, which revolves around an inability to process written text. You mentioning poor handwriting is seldom an indicator of a learning disability, not unless it's also hard for you to do other things that require hand-use such as opening the door, tying shoelaces, washing the dishes, etc. Is this the case? If you're really concerned about it, I suggest that you go to a developmental psychologist or a clinical psychologist. Doctors are not really trained for the psychometric tools needed for a comprehensive diagnosis of such nature.
• United States
4 Feb 11
The Learning disability I'm concerned about is called Dysgraphia. I had not even heard of it until very recently but it describes me. Poor handwriting, problems remembering grammar rules. plus poor spelling (I use spell check for everything)
• Philippines
7 Feb 11
Hm, Dysgraphia, is a disorder of written expression but it's primarily a problem of composition and not of writing per se. This means that the problem lies in not being able to structure words sequentially resulting in serious grammatical mistakes (e.g. incorrect tenses, misplaced words, missing words, etc.) that affect academic work. This means that poor writing is not the main symptom. I don't seem to see that problem from the way you composed your post, but, well, could you tell me more about how you composed your above post? For example, how long did it take you type in your response, and what tools did you use to complete your post?
• Australia
9 May 11
Your local GP should be able to provide you with some information advice and help you to explore other avenues. In my country for diagnation you need to be assesed by a child physcologist and a paediatrition. I think it could be similar in your Country but medical costs are far from different. I would however advise you to see the GP for advice on this subject, or someone with qualifications required to know what they are talking about!