<p>I have these and wanted to see how others are handling such disabilities.</p>
<p>Also, for me it has become more of a plus due to the extra time on standardized tests, but how does that factor with college apps? do they see I received extra time? Is it something to write an essay on?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I do have NLD. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t quite understand how I fit the profile. While I’ve always had difficulties with math, I didn’t see myself as “socially-challenged.” I love having a good conversation with people, and in a setting where I don’t feel anxious, I can be very goofy and fun. I saw a YouTube clip with Heather Kuzmich [YouTube</a> - Autism - ANTM - Heather](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWArtIXY5WA]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWArtIXY5WA) a model who has Asperger’s. There are a lot of similarities with our mannerisms, and people were making fun of her awkwardness. I have some unusual habits, such as flapping, squirell-like hand gestures and constant stimming. People are always reminding me how destructive I am because if I get my hands on anything flexible, I’ll play with it and probably destruct it. A lot of people treat me differently because I’m absentminded and a little “off.” On a recent field trip, my teacher insisted on holding my hand when we crossed the street and I felt very singled out. I do NOT appreciate it when people equate being absentminded with being incapable. </p>
<p>Who do you tell about your NLD? I wish that I could tell some of my classmates who act so condescending to me because of my absentmindedness, but I’m worried they would treat me worse. But I have some amazing friends who embrace my mannerisms, reminding me that they like my random conversational style and my hand gestures because it keeps them interested. While I haven’t told anyone about my NLD yet, I do have some friends who I could tell when the time is right.</p>
<p>While I wasn’t officially diagnosed with dysgraphia, I have very cryptic handwriting that falls under the umbrella of NLD. I can’t think of a single teacher that I’ve had who hasn’t at least once commented about the atrocity of my handwriting. My handwriting will be a huge challenge when I take the AP’s in the following weeks. I did not receive permission to type my responses, so I’ll have to write them by hand. My AP teachers told me that I do a decent job on my essays, but they are concerned the scorers will mark them off because of illegibility. When I have to write three pages in 30 minutes, I’m not going to have much time to worry about neatness. Any tips?</p>
<p>BTW There was a court case about ten years ago that says colleges don’t find out if we get extra time. So no need to worry!</p>
<p>I have dysgraphia. I was able to get extra time on standardized tests but I didn’t need it, I needed a scribe or a computer and wasn’t allowed to have it, so I was not able to take the writing portion of the ACT. That kind of sucked. But we didn’t fight nearly as hard as we should have, I didn’t know any better. Get your guidance counselor and your doctors all on board with the process, request accommodation EARLY and be prepared to appeal.</p>
<p>I wrote an essay about my dyscalculia. It wasn’t one of the regular essays but an additional essay I submitted to explain my math scores. If you have a unique way to write the essay, it could be a good essay topic. But I am sure they get “I have X disability and my life was really hard and look how great I am anyway!” a million times, so you’ll want to write it really well so it stands out.</p>