Work & Learning Difficulties
Work has always been a mix of support and struggle for me.
At Benson School, I felt more settled. Why? Because it was close to home. That meant less stress, less risk, and more energy to focus on the children. Location and environment really do make a difference when you live with learning difficulties.
With mild LD, I sometimes need instructions repeated, extra time to process, and patience if I miss social cues. My hearing loss adds another layer — noisy environments make it hard to follow conversations. Without adjustments, I can feel left behind.
I’ve also faced times where support wasn’t there. That made me vulnerable to being taken advantage of — socially and emotionally. Without awareness of my LD, colleagues sometimes misread me. That’s when stress builds and my confidence drops.
But the best workplaces? They give clear instructions, check in with me, and allow short breaks when I’m overwhelmed. With the right support, I can give my best.
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Why This Matters
Mencap explains that people with learning disabilities can face barriers to finding and keeping work. Many employers don’t understand what adjustments can make a difference. Simple changes — like clear communication and patience — can open doors.
📖 Source: Mencap — Employment
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✍️ Sufian Choudhury
Teaching Assistant | Learning Difficulties | Hard of Hearing
