Facing the world with a learning disability is not an easy task. These disabilities can take hundreds of different forms, and it’s vital to find the right help.
That’s why it is important that we take the time to understand what different learning disabilities mean, and what can be done to help.
It is true that everyone wants to learn, and each of us learn in an entirely different way. Acquiring these new skills is a right we all share, and understanding learning disabilities is a responsibility we all must take on.
Navigating a Learning Disability
The National Health Service (NHS) describe learning disabilities as directly impacting “the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime”. According to their figures, around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability, which can make understanding new or complex information, learning new skills, and coping independently difficult (NHS England).
People with learning disabilities receive and process information differently to everyone else. That means that, to have their needs met, most need to be taught in a different way. The most common types of learning disabilities relate to reading, writing, maths, reasoning, listening and speaking.
As well as this, people with severe learning disabilities or profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD) might also need support with areas such as mobility, personal care, and communication.
Spotting the Signs
Keeping an eye on your child’s milestones can help you spot early signs of struggling with a learning disability. That way, you can offer them the best support to help them succeed and live a happy, independent life.
Getting a diagnosis is a difficult, important step to take. Once you have one, you can start to build the network of support you will need. At Bright Futures, we have the facilities to help those struggling with a learning disability achieve their full potential.
