Anxiety, ADHD, Trouble Reading etc.

Has anyone been afraid to inform learning disability centers that you suffer / battle retaining information you’ve learned?

I need an hour maybe three depending on math quizzes or exams in order to get an A. I take medication but the clock feels like a UV light that murders my concentration, I tested into Math 77 (I was never the elite math student) I took 47 instead and got a 107% at the end of the quarter. Went on to Math 77 and my teacher would see me struggling during tests and only managed with a 3.7. I looked at the curriculum prior to the start of class and dropped it because I knew I would only get a C if I was lucky.

In English classes, I can’t read… I can write like it was my job but had to re read book chapters 4-8 times. I used a ruler and would shut my right eye just to get by. I would write nights or have a friend tell me what this sentence says. It was embarrassing. During english 101, I was asked to read in class and I would ask to use the restroom or I would shake and stutter. It was as if I was reading how I was going to die.

My teachers all told me I should check out the disability center. I spend everyday at the learning support for tutoring but it only helped a little. I spent more time there I did at home.

THE POINT-

WILL COLLEGES LEARN THAT I HAVE TROUBLE WITH READING and TAKING TESTS? My physic. doctor wrote me a note that explains everything but I feel it would be detrimental to transferring or made public for admissions from universities that I want to attend.

I can read. I can write but it takes a lot of time to read but

writing is easier and one of my favorite tasks. I have no problem writing essays, minus perfecting them…

My son has ADHD and OCD. If you are nearsighted you need glasses. Similarly, if you have learning difficulties, you first need professional help to assess the issues. And deal with them properly. Although I’m not familiar with Math 47/77, I guess you are a high school student. Please please get a psycho-educational assessment by a licensed psychologist asap. My son based on the test results were allowed test accommodations so that he can fairly be “compared” with other kids. You do not have to disclose your learning differences when applying to the universities but you need to be given all these extra accommodations when taking SAT/ACT or even quizzes/tests at school - it is by law in America.

Don’t delay further… don’t give up, there are many successful people with LD including Einstein! Good luck…

As said above, you will need a current, complete evaluation but note the information it must include. That information is available on the AHEAD, SAT and ACT websites. You do not and should not disclose disability during admissions application. Instead, you must meet all requirements for admissions. Schools are not expected or required to admit unqualified applicants. This is not discrimination on the basis of disability.

After admissions, submit your documentation/recent evaluation to the disability office ASAP. If your documentation is incomplete, you will need to submit missing information before you may register for accommodations. This evaluation is a personal expense unless the school has a diagnostic clinics or people they know. Depending on your school, you may be able to obtain the evaluation to help you understand your learning problems. High schools are often very reluctant to evaluate a student for college accommodations. However, your school may be willing to help you understand and describe your reading problems and how it has a negative impact on your keeping up with or comprehending reading assignments.

Unlike assistance in high school, colleges and universities only approve accommodations for the purpose of access. For example if you can’t read print text because of severe visual impairment, accommodations such as taped or electronic text are provided. You may also have access to a computer that reads tests orally and allows you to respond orally or type text. If you documentation supports extended test time, you may be granted 1.5 extended time but double or even unlimited time isn’t going to happen. Accommodations such as extended test time provides access, but does not assure you of enough time to earn an A------You are guaranteed access so you can compete on a level playing field with other students. Remember accommodations are described as outcome neutral. This is a major !! difference from high school services.

Similarly you may have worse difficulty reading, but accommodations may not be increased. Do expect accommodations in real time. You are never expected to wait while classmates are given handouts. So far, I think you may be granted reader and test services. Do think about note takers. You may halve good skills at composition, but not writing class notes as you listen.

Academic assistance is extremely, very rarely provided by the disability office. However. You have as much right to academic assistance in the learning center or elsewhere on campus. You may find tutoring for pay by a student or grad assistant.

This summer, get ready. For example, there are tons of electronic libraries that allow you to download text. For example, you may be required to read King Lear. You can download the text and listen. Many books include commentary about the play, but don’t get all bound up by extra information. Instead find a good copy of the play read orally.

Make sure your computer has access accommodations and you know how to use them. When you buy textbooks, get the cleanest copy you can among the used books or get a new one if second hand copies are piggy. If you find the class textbook challenging, go to the school library to get a book that is easier to read. Just be careful that the library book has the same general information even if it is found in a different chapter.

I find my Kindles have lots of room, depending on the size of the hard drive or use of the cloud. Download text, and you can carry a copy of books with you. If you use cloud storage and lose your Kindle, you could have information available, by ordering a new one. With prime membership you could get a replacement without shipping costs within twowo days. I also have a free equivalent of Microsoft Office (the red one) downloaded on my Kindles.

Technology is so wonderful now, it is really fun to buy presents for my desktop with the fabulous large screen and the three Kindles.

Hope all works out for you. Independence through accommodations is wonderful. Z

It can be a really tough decision to disclose any LD or mental illness but in this case bc it is for school and your challenge directly affects your ability to learn, it’s really best to get set up with help ASAP. I believe at many schools you are entitled to some assistance due to learning differences. And the anxiety is something that can be helped with therapy, support groups, or even meds. I’m not sure about ADHD support groups (though maybe I should be because I have a raging case myself) but there ones for anxiety and depression, search up DBSA and NAMI. Or even the student health center when applicable. Heck, I got free CBT for social anxiety from my school’s grad program, and it helped despite being super awkward at times… taught me how to ride it out.

Unbranded,

It sounds like you haven’t identified the specific disabilities that are giving you problems (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). You may want to take your teachers’ advice by checking out the disability center, sure. You could also try medicine or natural treatments like exercise and improved sleep. People who struggle with anxiety and even other problems like ADHD can have unique advantages in their temperaments, too. Try to turn your liabilities into assets. For example, use the anxiety to become perfectionistic, rather than letting it control your life.