How to Avoid Treating Adults with Learning Disabilities like Children

Many people fall into the trap of treating adults with learning disabilities like children. This article will offer advice on how to turn that around and treat people like adults

Age Appropriate Commendation

Parents of a newborn baby with often use "baby talk" when they commend their baby for a new milestone they have reached. Babies sometimes respond with a smile or a gurgle. But if we are looking at an adult with learning disabilities, the same approach should not be used. If 30 year-old Matthew has been working hard on learning how to tie his shoes properly and he has finally achieved this particular goal, he should be praised accordingly. "Well done, Matthew! You're such a good boy", is appropriate commendation for a very young child, not for a grown man. It may seem perfectly harmless. But in the process of praising Matthew for his latest achievement, you have reduced him to the position he once occupied as a child.

Adults with learning disabilities may never be able to reach certain milestones in their lives as they grow older. But each time they do reach a new goal, they should not be praised as if they are a child.

Clothing

Another way in which relatives and carers should treat adults with learning disabilities properly is in the matter of clothing. The latest teenage fashions will look great and stylish on teenagers, but if you are a 50 year-old man or woman, these styles would not necessarily be the most appropriate choice for your age range.

Relatives and carers need to consider the personality and age of the person in their care so that they do not make any fashion errors when they go clothes shopping. If possible, taking along their relative or client while they go shopping will be of help. Allowing an adult their dignity also means letting them make choices when out shopping, as far as they are able to. Some choices might be completely inappropriate. If so, point out the specific reason why, rather than just say "no" and leave it at that.

Hair and Make-up