Learning Disorders: Dyslexia and ADHD

Clients with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning struggles often seek out Jill’s understanding of the impact that dyslexia and ADHD

can have on the whole person. 

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For over twenty years, Jill Wiseman, MA, LPC-S has worked with individuals who struggle with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, as well as ADHD. Dyslexia is the most common of all learning disorders, affecting 1 in 5 people. Although dyslexia is often diagnosed during childhood, it does not go away in adulthood. 

 

Often when people feel “different,” it can negatively impact their self-esteem, confidence, and outlook on life. Individuals with a learning difference all too often are more at risk for experiencing depression, anxiety, negative self-talk and other nonacademic concerns such as family conflict, social isolation, and occupational difficulties.  Accommodations and strategies can help individuals compensate for the impact that learning differences may have on their daily functioning at home and work. Individuals with dyslexia may be slow readers, but many of them develop strengths in ingenuity, creative thinking, problem solving, and perseverance! It is estimated that approximately 25% of CEOs have dyslexia, but most employees with dyslexia try to hide their L.D. from employers and colleagues out of concern they won’t be understood or supported.

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In addition to addressing signs of depression, anxiety and negative self-talk in therapy, clients experiencing a learning difference can:

• Develop a better understanding of  the diagnosis and recommendations

• Explain the diagnosis to your family, colleagues, and others

• Make a treatment / intervention plan

• Normalize the need for accommodations, therapy, and specialized services

• Develop more effective parenting strategies

• Gain a developmental perspective of the diagnosis and how it may or may not impact your goals and plans

 

Many adults recognize signs of dyslexia in themselves only after their child receives the diagnosis.  Jill Wiseman does not perform evaluations for learning disabilities herself; she can refer clients to someone who is qualified to perform psychoeducational evaluations.  

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