Need confidence

First of all, congratulations on how far you have come so far. I graduated from university but it took many years. I dropped out many times before getting diagnosed. I’m afraid I still haven’t figured out how to do anything without triple checking my work if I want to have a fairly good chance of not making simple mistakes. The good news is that a few little accomodations facilitated by disabled student services can make it so you do have time to check your work. Being allowed time for extra testing, in a private testing area, without distractions was the only thing I needed to go from drop out to top 10% of my graduating class. In hind sight, I don’t know what was so hard about going to disabled student services but the first time I went, I burst into tears before I made it all the way to the receptionists desk. The easy part was getting a letter from my doctor telling disabled student services what I needed. I was allowed extra time for writing papers but I new I had to worked harder to get them done on time so I did that instead of using the accomodation. I was allowed to have note takers and probably should have done that given that I was incapable of taking notes. I couldn’t bring myself to ask anyone for notes when I was able to make better grades than most of the class without any notes at all. Someone once commented on how lucky I was able to not to take notes and still make better grades than them… they had no idea I couldn’t write words and hear words at the same time. They were able to take beautiful notes but didn’t do well on exams… how could I ask them for notes? I tried using a tape recorder but found I a hard time understanding the tapes so gave that up. I think reading lips helps me understand people better. I realized I was doing that when I took sign language classes. Some colleges that have a language requirement will accept sign language. I really enjoyed sign and did a lot of volunteer work with Deaf children after that. The only other thing I can think of that would give you the time you need to do your work is to limit the number of classes you take. I had to take a full load to get financial aid but I took some art and dance classes to lighten the homework load. It took longer to graduate that way but at least I graduated. Good luck to you.

Thanks for sharing your story, and your encouragement. I took ASL as well, but only for 1 semester. I enjoyed talking with ASL much much more than talking to people, actually. It’s more intuitive to me.

I think I am having trouble because I still haven’t figured out what’s the best way for me to learn. Going blindly about doing homework and reading text is not very effective way for me to learn.

I am not sure how I feel as to getting accomodations for my classes. Sometimes I feel like I might have an advantage if I do so. I plan to schedule another meeting with the learning specialist soon.

Best,

Michel

Hi, I am a Sophomore in college, I just wanted to let you know that by using accommodations in classes you are at an advantage for many reasons one is that you can get the notes from someone else and you can compare the notes with yours and find out what are you week areas of taking notes and that will help you to improve on that skill. Also when I first entered college I was not sure about accepting accommodations but I now find that some of my friends that don’t get them are jells. The way that I look at it is you need to use all the recourses that are available to you.

I strongly suggest that you go and take to your learning specialist ASAP and find out what the school has to offer for you. The way that I look at it can’t hurt it can only help.

Also you said that you can’t figure out what learning style is best for you, I have found that you can’t relay on one style you have to use many different styles to be able to understand the material fully.

Good Luck,
Nichole

Im with Nichole on this one. I know that at first it can be inbarissing to anounse to the world that u need help but hay this is only one timparery sichuachon, right.I meen u whont be in colleg for the rest of your life.
My dignosses was very simaler to yours, exept I was cout very erly on. Let me tell u that the inbaresment was devastatting for a little kid.The old saying that kids are mean dosent hold a candel to the truth.
Oh well any ways anuff with the blaa blaa blaa……. what helps me the most is a tape recorder. I know, I know the holl virbel thing but the savving grase is that wonderful rewind button. I love it which we could install it on people: and the stop button heeeh.
Oh and a reading windo, you know for when the test is dry, thickor Im having trubel consintratting. Ok I admitt I dont us the dum little not cared with a hole cut in it in front of a bunch of people but when Im tierd and alown it does still help.
I dont know if it will all work but somthing might.
Hope it helps Toni in Cal
Owh and yes I agere with every one eals get notes from the class brain :)

Toni,

What is you ARE the class brain? : )

Barb

Whoops!

That should read–What “if” you are the class brain?

It was a joke. See, since so many LDers are gifted. Oh, never mind!

Barb

What if you ARE (or was) the class brain… what do you do?

Originally posted by Michele:
“What if you ARE (or was) the class brain…what do you do?”

In all seriousness, I don’t see that strong of a colleration between note taking skills and “brains.” I’ve know people who took great notes but didn’t understand what it meant. They were not able to apply the principles of what was discussed. Conversely, some people don’t take good notes but understand the principles.

In any case, copy the notes from the good note takers.

Barb

I guess my question was… what if you are the class brain….. How do you convince your teachers/professors that you need help, not necessarily accomodations….. but that you do have LD?

Thanks.

Michel

Toni,

I’m still wiping my eyes from the tears that were flowing as I read you email. You write my language. Your line about humiliation was what started my eyes to water. I know that humiliation so very well. Thanks for your letter.

Deb

Well, Michele,
Show the techer your evluashon of your testting, if need be. Its his job to teach and help. If he/ she is pregades agenst your LD and just wont bug, I would go over his/ her head.
Esere sead than don yes but if u dont stand up for your self how will?

Michel,

Please ask for and USE accommodations. Don’t worry about these being an “advantage.” They’re not. Accommodations merely allow you to do the best work you are capable of - to demonstrate your ability, instead of your “disability.” There is no shame in learning differently than others do - everyone does. It is just that some of us need minor changes in the “normal” conditions of instruction in our society so that we can succeed in school and in college.

My son is dyslexic and ADD. With accommodations and good teachers, provided by an excellent school for dyslexic and gifted students, he is doing very well. He’ll be starting college in a little more than a year from now - and one of his first stops on campus will be the offices for students with disabilities.

Never be afraid or embarassed to ask for the help you need. If you are open and positive about what it takes for you to succeed, you’ll get along fine in the world - and most people will respect you for your honesty and determination. The ones who don’t aren’t worth your time - go around them.

Those of you who’ve made it to college despite your learning differences and a lack of appropriate teaching have made it there on willpower and sheer intelligence. Be proud of that! You are highly intelligent, highly capable people - and have a right to your success - and the conditions necessary for you to achieve it.

Deby