[color=darkblue][/color][size=18][/size][b]Hi Everyone,
It has been a while since I have been posting here on LDonline.
Some of you might remember me when I posted I was tested for learning disabilities and I had a quack test and told me since I had a memory disorder to give it all up. Plus he addressed every issue that wasn’t a issue like the color of my clothes and weight,etc.
Well I have decided to try going back to college. Actually will start Monday. My question is all of you that have a memory disorder or any other kind of learning disabilities and have gotten degrees how did you organize or how did you deal with your learning disabilities to get where you are today?
Wow, This board has really changed…I hope I have done it right. Looking forward in your help. I will need :wink:
Re: Trying it again and going back to college any suggestions?
Hi Anita:
I think I do remember your story. Welcome back. Your post came through fine, so you did it right :)
I too am entering the brave world of summer courses (see Sue’s response). I start that Monday also! I’ve been taking Masters Level courses since last fall (starting full MSW program this fall) and I have to admit that I’m finding college a little easier now. What I do now to organize myself is tape record my classes, maybe use a classmates’ notes and then I retype them onto my home PC to make neater and so that they make more sense. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that in Undergraduate school!!
If you havent’ already, perhaps you should go to your school’s disability service office to help get any accommodations you might need for classes. I also found it helpful to talk to classmates; my classmates have all been wonderful! Of course it’s also advisable to speak with your professors.
Wel good luck to you! I hope things work out better this time.
Christine H
going back to school
Regarding heading back to school, have you found out if your campus has an adaptive learning center? When at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) the Paul Menton Center was the best place. Each year, I would meet with the people there and determine a strategy for what I needed. Extra time on exams, use of a computer for exams, access to a note taker, etc.
Regarding memory, just like the other post listed, START EARLY. Start your readings early, working on reviews of chapters by starting to read all the headings in a chapter. Then go back and start to read the text. Personally, I have to read something about 3-4 times to make it stick. The last few times, I am “getting it” — meaning NO memorizing, but rather comprehension.
Leverage your strenghts - can you recall better if you make notes as you read? Are you more auditory? Can you get a note taker and focus on listening to your lectures?
Alternativly, you may wish to do some disclosure with certain profs. Let them know a head of time of your status. It’s not an excuse for anything, just the facts. Negotiate where you can.
Slow and steady - you’ll get there!
Welcome back!!
MOnday, huh? Sounds like summer courses — which are usually packed in tighter than full-semester ones. Get that syllabus and try & get a jump on the ol’ memory — are your issues short-term or long-term memory or both? One real key is making sure the stuff you’re trying to remember is *connected* to real ideas that are already lurkin’ around in the brain.
What are you taking? If you want to drop in to the Net Haven chat tonight ([url]http://www.net-haven.net[/url] I will try to be there when I get back from riding (usually 9:30-ish eastern, 8:30 here). If I’m not there, there are a couple of other college folks dealing with LD issues who are regulars there.