Supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities

A learning disability is a lifelong condition that affects the ways in which people learn new things. There are many types of learning disability, ranging from mild to significant, which can impact all aspects of someone’s daily life.

For more information about the types of learning disabilities, the symptoms and causes, read our article about it all here.

Individuals with learning disabilities may find it difficult to learn certain skills, process important or complex information and carry out daily activities. However, this does not mean that people with learning disabilities cannot live full and enriching lives. Individuals with learning disabilities can live alone, work, learn any skills and have meaningful relationships; they may simply need some extra support with certain areas of their lives. Others may need ongoing support and assistance throughout the day - it really depends on the person and the severity of the disability. 

Whilst all learning disabilities differ and each individual is affected in their own unique way, here are some tips on how to support someone with a learning disability. 

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Encourage Independence 

People with learning disabilities are unique, and will require tailored support that encourages their independence and active participation in their own lives. 

Here are some ways in which this can be encouraged:

Identify strengths 

Focus on the person's abilities and help them recognise and develop their interests and hobbies, in turn boosting the individual's confidence and sense of self worth. 

Set Realistic Goals

Work alongside the individual to set small, realistic goals that align with their capabilities. You could break larger tasks down into smaller, manageable steps to help them understand how to complete their goals

Encourage independent living

Support the development of daily skills, such as personal care, effective communication, money management and problem solving in order to empower individuals to express their needs and live with better independence 

Providing decision making opportunities 

Encourage the individual to make choices in their daily life. This could be choosing the food to eat, the plans for the day or what clothes to wear. 

Offer guidance

Try and find a balance between offering assistance and allowing service users to take the lead, whilst ensuring they are safe and have all necessary support and resources available if need be 

Assistive Technologies

Assistive technologies are becoming more and more popular and more advanced as time progresses. Assistive technologies can be valuable tools for people with learning disabilities as they help people express their needs and wants. 

Here are some examples of the most common assistive technologies and how they can support people with learning disabilities: 

Text to speech software

This technology converts written text into spoken words, helping people with reading difficulties or visual impairments. This can be used for reading documents, letters, websites and also e-books. 

Speech recognition

This type of software allows people to dictate their thoughts and have them converted into written text. This type of technology can be helpful to those who struggle writing and typing. 

Visual aids and organisers

Visual supports, such as charts, graphs, diagrams or mind maps, assist people in organizing information, making connections and understanding complex topics and themes. 

Electronic reminders

These devices and applications help individuals with memory tasks and time management, as alerts can be set up for appointments, medications, deadlines and other important life events. 

Augmented and virtual reality 

AR and VR can provide interesting, interactive experiences that can teach daily living and social skills. These technologies create virtual worlds and experiences where individuals can practice scenarios and gain confidence. 

Promoting social inclusion

Many individuals with learning disabilities enjoy socialising with others and making new friends, though they may need extra support in order to engage in social activities. 

You can help encourage social interaction by:

Supporting social skill development

Help your service users grow their social ability by providing guidance regarding greetings, body language, conversation skills and conflict resolution techniques in order to help build their confidence. 

Foster positive friendships

Encourage the development of friendships by facilitating connections with peers whose interests align with those of the person you’re supporting. You can further foster the relationship by helping organize meetings and outings, and encouraging visits to social clubs and community events. 

Address communication barriers

Support those with learning disabilities in interacting with others by removing any communication barriers. Practice active listening and facial expressions with your service user to help build confidence, and consider using assistive technologies to help with communication if need be. 

Making sure to look after yourself

Supporting someone you love or care for with a learning disability can be rewarding but like everything else, can come with its challenges too. It’s crucial to prioritise your own wellbeing in order to provide exceptional support. 

You can do this by:

Creating a support network 

Connect with communities, support groups and local organisations that cater to caregivers of individuals with learning disabilities. Sharing both experiences and insights with others who understand your situation can provide you with emotional support and valuable advice, helping to alleviate both pressure and stress. 

Taking breaks

Caring can be demanding, so it’s essential to schedule regular breaks and engage in activities you enjoy. Taking time for yourself when possible will allow you to recharge and maintain a healthy work life balance.

Educate yourself

Continuously seek out new information regarding learning disabilities, including specifics associated with different conditions. This can help bolster your empathy and ability to provide appropriate, person centred care. 

Practice stress management 

Develop strategies that help you minimize stress, such as exercise, hobbies, breathing exercises or meditation, to name a few.

Responding to challenging behaviour

Challenging behaviour is any behaviour that can cause distress in the individual or those around them. Whilst it can be alarming and distressing to see the person you care for show signs of challenging behaviours, such as kicking, biting or throwing, it’s important to remember that this behaviour is often the result of the person being unable to express their needs or wants. They may be hungry, tired, upset or poorly, but are unable to communicate or vocalise those feelings, causing frustration. 

The first step in order to manage challenging behaviour is to try and understand the reason behind it. Could the individual be in pain, or bored? You could use assistive technologies such as picture cards that display emotions in order to help the service user express their feelings.

If the situation is safe and there’s no danger or pain, you could supply a distraction such as hobbies, snacks or other favoured activities. 

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Supporting adults with learning disabilities involves understanding their unique needs and strengths, providing tailored support, and promoting their independence and well-being. This includes fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging participation in community life, and promoting a sense of belonging. 

Imagine ending each day knowing that you’ve helped to make someone else’s life better, happier or more comfortable. You can get that feeling every single day, and it all starts when you get in touch with us to see if we have the perfect care and support role for you!

Here at The SKA Group Ltd, we believe that with the right support in place, a full and independent life is possible for everyone. We are here to support you. If you would like to learn more about our care and support role and the ways in which you can help make a difference, get in touch with us today!