I am 30 years old and I have always been slow to learn new things. My listening skills aren't too great either..I always ask to repeat things because I need more time to process what is said. I don't enjoy reading much because I am slow in my comprehension. All this has been affecting me at work and has made me a quiet and insecure person. Do you think I may have a learning disability or ADD? I can't afford to see a psychologist to have it checked out so what can I do? Please help.

It sounds like you might in fact have a learning disability. I am 31 and also have trouble with comprehension at times. For example, someone tells a joke and everyone in the room gets it but me. I am also slower than others at learning things. I was actually diagnosed with a learning disability when I was a little boy. I took special classes for a while and then was in regular classes sixth grade on. The good news is that I am even almost through college. I went back to school at age 25. You should see if the are free tests online that test for learning disabilities. I bet if you look hard enough you will find one. Well, keep your head up and take care.

It could in fact be a learning disability. What is sounds like to me though, is something called Auditory Processing Disorder. People with APD actually have normal hearing and intelligence, but have trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally, problems carrying out multistep directions, poor listening skills, need more time to process information and have low academic performance. As well, people with Audtiory Processing Disorder have difficulty with reading, comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary. I am not sure if you are dealing with APD, ADD or a learning disorder, but it might be of benefit to you to see a specialist. They can tell you what may be going on, and ways to help you with difficulties.

SGH

one thing that might help you comprehend stuff better is a good night sleep. because when i stay up late and go to school the next day i sometimes cant remember if i closed my locker, and what a teacher or a friend just said 5 minutes ago. but when i get good night sleeps i do not do any of the other things.