How to Know if You (or Your Child) Has a Learning Disability
I am sure that most, if not all of you, have been in a class where you had difficulty:
paying attention; understanding the information that you heard or read; getting the
important points down on paper, for notes or to answer questions on a test. We’ve all
been distracted at one time or another by noise, lights, temperature or the presence of
others. Have you ever wondered if these are symptoms of a learning disability or a case
of the all too common human tendency to make excuses?
There are times that we choose not to take responsibility for our situation. We may use
blame; of the professor, the circumstances, or other people in our lives. We might ignore
problems instead of acting to resolve them. Although we know it’s important to take
responsibility, sometimes it’s easier to give control to someone else through blame or
inaction. If we choose responsibility, we choose control of our lives. For some, this may
seem impossible. There may be a pattern of failure that seems unmanageable. In this
case, taking control may mean taking stock of the symptoms and seeking outside help.
Many students struggle through college without knowing that learning challenges are a
factor. The large academic workload may be the catalyst that causes an individual to
suspect and investigate the possibility of a disability. Discovering a disability later in life
can bring its own challenges, and you may have a reaction that you didn’t expect.
Experiences range from anger at the unfairness, frustration with past efforts and lack of
prior support…to relief…that the symptoms have a name, and help is available.
If you suspect that you may have a learning disability:
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Make an appointment with your primary care physician and bring a written list of the
signs and symptoms that you have noticed and when and where they occur.
If a referral is not offered, request a referral to a specialist who can screen for,
diagnose, and document the disability and recommend accommodations.
Once an appointment is scheduled, a series of tests will be administered to determine
if you have a learning disability.
In the event that it is found that you have a disability, written documentation will
identify the nature and severity of the disability and potential accommodations.
That documentation will be needed to obtain accommodations at current and future
schools that you attend. This may be adapted if needed, for future employment.
It is to your benefit to make sure you understand the nature of your disability and the
type of accommodation that is needed in order for you to be successful. This will
enable you to advocate for yourself and feel comfortable with and in charge of your
own destiny.
Seek emotional support through your college counseling center. In addition to
individual counseling, support groups and other resources are available to network
with others who are having similar struggles.
Understanding leads to acceptance. As you come to accept this as one of the many pieces
that makes up the wonderful whole that is you, you will feel more in control of your life,
the choices you make will be yours, and the successes will be yours, as well.
Michael Johnson/Deb Scott