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Think I have a learning disability, where do I go from here?

Hi,

Ever since I got to university, I've been struggling quite a bit, academically and generally in life. I have a really hard time with practical things, such as cooking from a recipe and driving. I just get so confused at the simplest of instructions and anything involving practicality, I fail miserably at.

This transfers to uni work - I have a really hard time understanding scientific journals. For example, it could be a simple sentence with one word that I do not understand. When I find a synonym for that word and replace the word I did not understand with it, I just still don't understand the sentence, despite being able to understand all of the words.

Revising for exams requires me to go over the same notes over and over and over again, in all different colours, but it's still such a struggle for everything to go in.

I got 64% in my first year but that was with so much effort. It takes me ages to revise/do essays.

My handwriting/spelling etc is fine. I don't even know if the problems mentioned are even characteristic of a learning disability, and I hope I don't offend anyone why thinks they are not.

Anyone been through the same thing and were very slow like me? Thanks in advance.
have you told any of the disability support staff as they could arrange a test to see if you do have a learning disability
Original post by bushyeyebrows302
Hi,

Ever since I got to university, I've been struggling quite a bit, academically and generally in life. I have a really hard time with practical things, such as cooking from a recipe and driving. I just get so confused at the simplest of instructions and anything involving practicality, I fail miserably at.

This transfers to uni work - I have a really hard time understanding scientific journals. For example, it could be a simple sentence with one word that I do not understand. When I find a synonym for that word and replace the word I did not understand with it, I just still don't understand the sentence, despite being able to understand all of the words.

Revising for exams requires me to go over the same notes over and over and over again, in all different colours, but it's still such a struggle for everything to go in.

I got 64% in my first year but that was with so much effort. It takes me ages to revise/do essays.

My handwriting/spelling etc is fine. I don't even know if the problems mentioned are even characteristic of a learning disability, and I hope I don't offend anyone why thinks they are not.

Anyone been through the same thing and were very slow like me? Thanks in advance.


Hey:smile:
Your first port of call would be to go visit your student support department as if you do have a learning difficulty they can arrange diagnostic tests for you.
( learning disability is generally a different thing as learning difficulties such as dyslexia don't effect iq so their not really called learning disabilities as they're two different things).
I would make a list of what you struggle with in general and take the with you to student support so they could perhaps suggest ways to help/ a potential diagnosis.
It's really not unusual to find out you have something at uni and have it completely missed at school. (I've known for years I have a condition called dyspraxia but got to uni and found out I was dyslexic too).
If you dont mind me asking when you say you find journals and practical things difficult do you feel you're a slow reader or that your brain takes longer than you think it should to do certain things? Do you have any problems with coordination or anything like that? (since you mentioned driving).
I would also say go speak to your personal tutor, this sort of thing is what they are there for.
Reply 3
Avatar for ivy.98
ivy.98
14
Do you have any of these symptoms? :

• is easily distracted
• is forgetful, even in daily activities
• fails to give close attention to details in school work or other activities, including making careless mistakes
• has trouble keeping attention on tasks or activitiesignores a speaker, even when spoken to directly
• does not follow instructions,
• fails to finish schoolwork or chores, and loses focus or is easily side-trackedhas trouble with organization
• dislikes and avoids tasks that require long periods of mental effort, such as homework
• loses vital things needed for tasks and activities (e.g., books, keys, wallet, phone)
Reply 4
Avatar for Samwin
Samwin
15
I second what clair said, I also have Dyspraxia and to be honest, you sound like you could have it and perhaps dyslexia as a fair amount of your symptoms match mine... have a chat with your GP and also the support services at uni x good luck!
Original post by bushyeyebrows302
Hi,

Ever since I got to university, I've been struggling quite a bit, academically and generally in life. I have a really hard time with practical things, such as cooking from a recipe and driving. I just get so confused at the simplest of instructions and anything involving practicality, I fail miserably at.

This transfers to uni work - I have a really hard time understanding scientific journals. For example, it could be a simple sentence with one word that I do not understand. When I find a synonym for that word and replace the word I did not understand with it, I just still don't understand the sentence, despite being able to understand all of the words.

Revising for exams requires me to go over the same notes over and over and over again, in all different colours, but it's still such a struggle for everything to go in.

I got 64% in my first year but that was with so much effort. It takes me ages to revise/do essays.

My handwriting/spelling etc is fine. I don't even know if the problems mentioned are even characteristic of a learning disability, and I hope I don't offend anyone why thinks they are not.

Anyone been through the same thing and were very slow like me? Thanks in advance.


You do need to speak to a specialist at your uni on this, but I would like to point out that the bolded part is something quite common amongst people new to scientific papers. These papers are written in a very unusual style that takes a bit of time to get used to, and if you aren't an expert on the subject being read then you are unlikely to be able to follow all of it anyway.

Still, might be worth mentioning when you do tell others about this just in case it is related to something. I'm just saying that it isn't too uncommon.
Original post by bushyeyebrows302
Hi,

Ever since I got to university, I've been struggling quite a bit, academically and generally in life. I have a really hard time with practical things, such as cooking from a recipe and driving. I just get so confused at the simplest of instructions and anything involving practicality, I fail miserably at.

This transfers to uni work - I have a really hard time understanding scientific journals. For example, it could be a simple sentence with one word that I do not understand. When I find a synonym for that word and replace the word I did not understand with it, I just still don't understand the sentence, despite being able to understand all of the words.

Revising for exams requires me to go over the same notes over and over and over again, in all different colours, but it's still such a struggle for everything to go in.

I got 64% in my first year but that was with so much effort. It takes me ages to revise/do essays.

My handwriting/spelling etc is fine. I don't even know if the problems mentioned are even characteristic of a learning disability, and I hope I don't offend anyone why thinks they are not.

Anyone been through the same thing and were very slow like me? Thanks in advance.


I'd go to a doctor and get tested for a disability. When I was 3 I was diagnosed with a mild case of autism and inattentive-type ADHD. Once your university finds out that you've been diagnosed, they'll give you access arrangements so your peers won't have an unfair advantage over you as disabled people deserve an equal chance in life.

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