Learning Disabilities - Students

About learning disabilities

• A learning disability is a persistent problem with reading, writing, or math.

• Your learning disability will never go away.

• It's going to take you longer to learn things than other students.

• You aren't alone! Between 5-15% of people have a learning disability.

• Even though it won't go away, getting extra help in school will make it easier to deal with.

Coping with a learning disability

• Adjust how you work. The same strategies don't work for everyone.

• Develop methods that work for you (your academic assistance teacher might have tips and tricks for this). For example, use audiobooks for reading assignments.

• Make your own flashcards.

• Keep a sense of humor about things. This can be really difficult if your challenges make you feel shame, but being able to laugh about things makes life much easier.

Here is a story from a scientist with a PhD who grew up with a learning disability. He talks about his struggles, and what it means to fail.

And here is a list of tips for managing the anxiety associated with a learning disability.

References

Kaufman, T. (n.d.). What are learning disabilities? Understood. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-are-learning-disabilities

Kreisa, M. (2021, September 14). Living with a learning disability: Challenges, helpful advice & improvements. InclusionHub Digital Inclusion Resources. Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://www.inclusionhub.com/articles/living-with-a-learning-disability