Please help with research

Liz:

I would be very interested to learn of your research findings! I’m not from New Hampshire, so I can assure you it isn’t just your state!

I definitely agree with you. My biggest problem is that I feel like there’s no real support for those who want to get a good job. I think many people, including myself, are “underemployed” because they have the intelligence and the credentials, yet didn’t get the right support to accommodate whatever learning/processing differences that are present. I’m actually about to start an MSW program and I’m really scared that it’s going to be sheer shock when I start field work in a year because I don’t have the work experience to ensure a smoother transition. I’m trying to find a new job now, but some of the qualifications scare me away! I feel like all I can do is word processing and data entry and other related office tasks. So, here I am with this Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a high GPA doing data entry!

I also agree with you about assessments. I haven’t really tried, but once you’re out of the school system, it seems like you’re on your own. Even if I needed further testing for school, my present school doesn’t even offer free testing (I don’t think) A good Neuropsych test is also probably expensive.

Okay, sorry for rambling. I hope this is helpful. I’d be glad to provide anything further if need be.

Good luck in your research!
Christine H.

The local learning disabilities association is a good source for info on assessment. Also, sometines college sp ed programs can do assessments at no to low cost. It is true once a person with ld leaves the school system thier basically on their own.

Liz,

The problem is not endemic to New Hampshire. It’s in all 50 states. There is no support for those of us with LD. I am 45 years old, so I did not even get the benefit of an assessment when I was in high school. The government’s obligation ends when you leave high school.

I have spent hundreds of dollars in the past year to document my LD for the purpose of getting extra time on the Law School Admissions Test. I could have easily spent $2000- plus to get it done right- with a neuropsychologist, but I didn’t have the money.

I ended up getting the minimum amount of extra time, which I was glad about, but my testing proved, without a doubt, that I should have been eligible for more time. The worst part about it is that there is NO fighting the testing service. Their word is final. Their doctor, who never met you, is smarter than your doctor!

By the way, please tell the folks in your grad program that, while I certainly do not speak for all learning disabled people, I am of the opinion that this “learning differences” euphemism fools no one. Those of us who have LD know that we have a disability, and it is very much a disability to us. The problem with the term, “learning differences” is that it is deceiving. EVERYBODY has learning differences. Some people learn better visually, for example. Not everyone has a learning disability, however. It’s a little bit like saying that all people have a rise in blood sugar when we eat candy. But not EVERYONE is diabetic.

Good luck in your research. Let me know if I can be of help.

Erin

:roll: :roll: :roll:

Very interesting call between differences and disabilities!

Outside of going into the rigor of neurological diagnosis for Ld’s, the actuaries of socioeconomic stratification that creates various disproportionate and uncalculated disabilities, could easily be seen as a tangible disability. A hurdle that puts some naurly teeth into the “learning differences” (disabilities lite) euphemism.

Sure, it’s different or, “it” surely is different; kind of depends on how ya say it eh? Even more so when you live it.

This is not meant to jump all over your school program but, an interesting point has a risen. An example may be: A friend of mine who lost most of an arm and two legs in the military says, “When they call me physically challenged the weight of social responsibility to function on the same plane as others is lumped back onto me. Thanks, but don’t I have enough trouble as it is? I live with the difference they percieve the difference so, let’s be real.”

I hope this does not distract from your original statements and query..

I was diagnosed with a multi-sensory learning disability by the “special ed dept.” at my local community collage, three years after graduating from high school. I took a semester of a program that the department created to re-teach some basics in “English, spelling and writing”. I’ve never returned to any formal schooling, fearing failure and a loss of a lot of money. As well they said I tested with a genius IQ. I went through general schooling, 1st – 12th grade receiving average to below average grades because I couldn’t comprehend what was being taught to me. I am now a professional HVAC/R journeyman and I don’t think I could do any other type of work that is not as hands on as this work is. And it didn’t help that in my first five years of school my family moved almost yearly. Good luck in your research.

Liz,

In Canada, things do not seem that much better for adults. My last formal assessment was just prior to university. The assessment was required by the adaptive learning facility at school in order to be eligible for various accomidations. By far, my post secondary expereince was excellent in terms of level of support and accomodations provided.

The real world proved a bit more sticky. However, I have chosen a field which maxmizes my strongest ability: talking. Yup, I’m a sales rep! In the type of corporate environment which I work, computers and such toys are standard. Hence, many hurdles are overcome. Proposals and reports take a little longer for me, but I’ve developed some solid templates to follow.

A huge challenge presented itself when I wanted to switch industries from media & advertising to pharmaceutical sales. It took me 3 years to make the transition and in the process I certified myself as a Cnd drug rep. That was very challenging, demanding and stressful. There were no accomodations for the one standard exam. With hundreds of hours logged studying, I scored an 88%. Enough to make me an attractive hire for a drug company. The test was multiple choice - no writing out terms.

My current employer is not aware of my LD and would likely be quite suprised. I can talk to you at lenght about a medical condition, just don’t ask me to write about it! Corporate training was actually quite stressful, as once again I was faced with testing - this time written. I passed.

Now, I am in an exciting career doing what I do best. Talking, taking and talking. The reporting and admin side is a pain, but no one likes it!! Technology and motivation are my enablers.

Liz

Hi I am Amy and I am 20 years old.

I was just diagnosed with NLD and ADHD this year.

My mother wanted me tested as a kid but the schools in NJ would not do it.

It is the quiet ones who slip through the cracks.

Last fall I started school at Keene State College and they reccommended that I get tested. They pointed me in the right direction to get tested. Now that I have the results they are giving me more time on tests, books on tape, and as much support as they can give me.

I feel that the United States needs to pay more attention to children and adults with learning disabilities. The more people that know what learning disabilities are the more they will understand and be willing to help.

I am slowly learning that I am a very intelligant person who has a few obstacles to overcome. With the help and support I will be able to get around these obstacles. I think that goes for everybody with learning disabilities.

Good Luck with everything.

Let me know if I can help.

Amy

Liz:
Your research would be a great help to LD adults everywhere! I am Ld living in Georgia and it’s a nightmare to get reassessed. My state college is raising up the cost to get reassesed to $500. It’s the second time they’ve done this in over a year and it’s the only place where I can get tested at this price. Other places will charge up to $2000 to get tested. :D