Learning Disability
A learning disability affects a person’s mental development and the way they connect with others, and can turn some everyday tasks into a stressful experience.
Many of us take learning for granted. As children right through to our adult lives we are constantly discovering new skills and developing a better understanding of the world we live in. For those with learning problems such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), however, this process isn't so easy.
Here you'll find some general advice on caring for someone with a learning disability, which aims to make the challenges faced by carers that little bit easier.
Advice for carers
Behavioural and Emotional difficulties are common in individuals who have a learning disability for a variety of biological, psychological and social reasons, and these associated symptoms can make the life of the carer even more demanding. However, making the most of all the available support professionals from health, education and social services as well as the private and voluntary sector can both give the person with the learning disability the best chance of leading a normal life, as well as making the life of the carer more manageable.
Resources for getting help caring for someone with a learning disability include your local Carers Association resource centre, GP, local authority, children's services or adult disability services or other voluntary organisations.
When seeing a doctor, it's vitally important that you leave having had all your questions answered in a way that you understand, so if there's anything relating to the diagnosis, potential treatments or anything else that you are unsure of, don't be shy to ask and, if necessary, ask again. They are there to help.
Other questions you might think about asking include whether there are any changes you can make at home to make things easier, any contact details for other organisations that can help and if there is any additional literature available.
Your local Carers Association Resource Centre, GP, Local Authority (Social Services) or other support organisations (see list below) will be able to help you with some of the care issues you have.
Links
Here's where you'll find links to a wide range of information, support and organisations so you can quickly access more resources to help with your caring role
| Organisation | Website Link |
|---|---|
 |
Asperger Syndrome Association Ireland |
 |
Irish Autism Action |
 |
COPE Foundation |
 |
Dyspraxia Association of Ireland |
 |
National Association for People with Intellectual Disability |
