Learning disability

Ever since i was a little kid i was never able to concentrate much. I managed to pass has a normal child until i hit GCSE. I got put in high classes for Maths and Science (english was my weakness but they mixed the good and the bad students). I tried hard to learn but i couldn't. I kept missing what the teacher said (i don't have a hearing problem). The worst thing was that there were people in my class who never did any work. Never handed in homework and cheated in their coursework. They spent most of their time partying. The only time they did work was the month before the GCSE exams. They organised themselves into a big group and revised like mad. All of them got high marks. They ended up with A*s and As. Some of them didn't take some of their subjects seriously and ended up with Bs. They spent the best part of 2 years filling their brain with drugs and alcohol they got high marks. I spent the 2 years trying to learn but i failed. All i got was a D in maths and a double cc in science. I was so frustrated. I remember coming home after getting my results. I was watching BBC News about the record number of people passing their GCSEs. I saw people laughing,jumping and all out excitied. I was angry at my self and i spent an entire year in depressed thinking that i was an idiot and doing odd jobs. I decided after a while that i wasn't going to do that for the rest of my life. I managed to get into a GCSE retakes by the skin of my teeth. I was good in the beginning but it began to unravel after novemeber. The work got harder and my concentration wasn 't helping. By chance i discovered the BBC bitesize website. It was everything i needed. It had small simple lines that said everything i needed to know. It gave me hope. Thanks to it i managed to pass with 2 Bs and several Cs. This was enough to get me into an A level course. I felt good. I felt proud. I had overcome my problem ..... that was until i started the A level courses. The jump was a sudden shock for me. The BBC website for A levels was terrible. My teachers told us to get the NAS books. I got them in hope that they were everything i needed. Alas it wasn't. It was unreadable. I could read a paragraph before shutting down. I told this to another student in my class. When i told him that he said that he had learning disablities and that for him learning was next to impossible until his problem was identified. He told me to go to the disability officer in my college. I stayed away for a month because the name disability scared me. I didn't want to take the chance that i am defect mentally,genitcally and physically. Finally the fear of failing pushed me to seeing him in january. He told me that i might have ADHD and several other learning disabilites because comorbidity or something. He told me that he would send emails to my teachers to describe me first.

6 Weeks later i talked to him about the progress. He told me that not a single teacher had responded. I was upset. He also told me that the problem won't be fixed until next year at best. Their are horror stories of people who had to wait for 2 years just to get help. This means that i have to face this years exams alone. My Physics teacher embarassed me two weeks ago by saying that if i didnt't improve i wouldn't be able to take the physics exam in june.
Every night I wake up from having a bad dream about me failing. My family are no use. If they found out my mum would say that i am using this has an excuse and my sisters would tell all of their friends "xxxxx is disabled". I am trying to keep this a secret from them. The teachers in my college are useless. The guy with the learning disability told me that they don't like disabled students because they require to much effort and he had to force them to help him. The books i spent so much money are useless. I can't read them. My notes are useless. My handwritting is bad and last week while i was depressed i lost my bag (i am forgetful). I lost all of my notes :frown:

. I can't copy from anybody in my class because most of them think i am lazy (i used this has an excuse to explain why i wasn't getting good marks at first ). I am bad at courseworks. I know that i have failed the biology coursework. But the physic and chemistry courseworks are tests so i can pass that. But the exam papers. I know unless i do something about it i will fail. I don't want to fail. I have always dreamt of going to university. I don't want to become a builder or some useless worker in tescos. That scares me. I don't know what to do. That is why i am posting here. I'm hoping that a forum full of students who get good marks can help me.

I'm sorry that my post is such a shamble. I am posting in college and i don't want people to know what i have written.

Reply 1

high priestess fnord

9

is there an on site special needs teacher at college? some places are ok about special needs but all the state schools etc ive been to have been terrible, just keep pushing until you get help. get your parents on it and make sure that its easier for people to help than it is for them to try and ignore you. its not fair that you should suffer because of the governments underfunding of basic teaching aid.

Reply 2

Seoid

It sounds to me like you could have a learning disability but it is true that it can take a very long time to get help. I suggest you go back to the disability officer and say you want to get assessed by an educational psychologist. If you do have a disability, he or she will be able to identify it and then you're entitled to help. This isn't likely to be an easy process and it's true that some schools try to ignore disabilities because they require extra effort. Don't allow that to happen - you have a right to help. If it takes time then rather than stressing yourself out maybe you should take time out before trying to do your A levels - wait until you have the help you need and then give it a go. I admire your determination, but sometimes you have to give yourself a break.
On another note, you have to think about the long term. If you do go to university, will you be able for it? Will you have the same problems again? Not going to university does not mean that you'll necessarily end up in a dead end job, there are other options out there that might suit you better than the academic life that can lead to well-paid fulfilling careers. Like I say you seem like a determined person, and that's all you need to do well in a career that really suits you - a university degree isn't necessarily the be all and end all.
Good Luck

Reply 3

high priestess fnord

9

Seoid

Not going to university does not mean that you'll necessarily end up in a dead end job, there are other options out there that might suit you better than the academic life that can lead to well-paid fulfilling careers. Like I say you seem like a determined person, and that's all you need to do well in a career that really suits you - a university degree isn't necessarily the be all and end all.

there is no reason that the op should lose out because of bad teaching. if he/she wants to go to uni then they should go for it. i know my uni is better for special needs than any of the state schools i went to because they realise that regular coaching in simple coping methods can work wonders. im dyslexic and i know it affects me alot but i think the biggest barrier isnt the learning difficulties its the people who should be helping but dont. it sounds like the op is having the same trouble.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

I suggest you go back to the disability officer and say you want to get assessed by an educational psychologist.

I was told that first they had to ask the teachers about the way i am in class before they can do anything. So far they haven't responded.

On another note, you have to think about the long term. If you do go to university, will you be able for it? Will you have the same problems again? Not going to university does not mean that you'll necessarily end up in a dead end job, there are other options out there that might suit you better than the academic life that can lead to well-paid fulfilling careers. Like I say you seem like a determined person, and that's all you need to do well in a career that really suits you - a university degree isn't necessarily the be all and end all.

I was told that i could get the nessecary help next year if i do pass this years exams. So that would mean that i would go through the pain that i am right now. Going to university was one of my biggest dreams. The grim fact is that if i don't go to uni i won't be able to do the kinds of jobs i want. People who go to university earn more and have exciting jobs. What kind of job will i get with just gcses? From what i have heard the Royal Navy won't let people become officers without two a levels.

I am going to ask the only guy in this college who is on my side. My personal tutor about what the college can do.

Reply 5

Seoid

high priestess fnord

there is no reason that the op should lose out because of bad teaching. if he/she wants to go to uni then they should go for it. i know my uni is better for special needs than any of the state schools i went to because they realise that regular coaching in simple coping methods can work wonders. im dyslexic and i know it affects me alot but i think the biggest barrier isnt the learning difficulties its the people who should be helping but dont. it sounds like the op is having the same trouble.

I'm not saying the OP should give up or lose out, and I'm saying he should definitely go for it if he's sure it's what he wants, but at the same time he should consider taking a step back and looking at his long term goals.

It's not necessarily the case that people with degrees earn more and get better jobs - it really depends on the area you're interested in. I finished my undergrad degree 3 years ago and everyone I know who finished at the same time as me (including me) is either unemployed, doing a **** job or going on to further education. Finishing a degree isn't the end of the road by any means and the OP has to consider what he wants to be doing for the next 5-6 years of his life - if he's finding it so hard to do his A levels, will he be miserable trying to complete a degree, even with help?

The only guy I know who's in a responsible job that he really likes is the one person who didn't go to uni. He's basically set up for life. I think there's a general expectation for people to go to uni and that's why so many people start and then drop out. Not going to uni isn't the end of the world. I'm not saying the OP shouldn't go I'm just saying that there might be another way to go about getting what he wants that'll suit him better and that won't stress him out so much.

*edit* Please excuse my assumption that you're male if you're not

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

OP

if he's finding it so hard to do his A levels, will he be miserable trying to complete a degree, even with help?

I am finding it hard to do A levels currently because i haven't recivied any help. The disability officer told me that i will never be able to sort out my problems until i finish the process of dignosis. The problem for me is that until i finish that proccess i am all alone. She can offer me some help but not enough. I have 10 weeks until the A level exams begin. That means that i have 10 weeks to get learn what i have been struggling to learn all of my life. The worst thing is that if i do get the medication (shudders. Taking a pill to be normal just doesn't sound right) i will be able to concentrate. But what would be the use if got the medication an was able to concentrate properly if i don't have any use for concentration? I can live normally doing unskilled labour without this medication. But my dream is to be an engineer. I have to get a degree for that.

I asked a friend what I could do to pass the exams. He suggested by concentrating soley on past papers. Sounds a bit fishy to me. How is learning what was in past papers going to help me for an exam paper that is being written as we speak? I don't think Edxcel would reuse questions. The media would jump on them.

Reply 7

Elanor_Gamgee

Anonymous

I am finding it hard to do A levels currently because i haven't recivied any help. The disability officer told me that i will never be able to sort out my problems until i finish the process of dignosis. The problem for me is that until i finish that proccess i am all alone. She can offer me some help but not enough. I have 10 weeks until the A level exams begin. That means that i have 10 weeks to get learn what i have been struggling to learn all of my life. The worst thing is that if i do get the medication (shudders. Taking a pill to be normal just doesn't sound right) i will be able to concentrate. But what would be the use if got the medication an was able to concentrate properly if i don't have any use for concentration? I can live normally doing unskilled labour without this medication. But my dream is to be an engineer. I have to get a degree for that.

I asked a friend what I could do to pass the exams. He suggested by concentrating soley on past papers. Sounds a bit fishy to me. How is learning what was in past papers going to help me for an exam paper that is being written as we speak? I don't think Edxcel would reuse questions. The media would jump on them.

It is very rare to have brand new questions. I too would say doing past papers is the best form of revision, although perhaps not solely that.

i dont know what your college is like and I am aware that mine was excellent, but at our school if anyone wanted extra coaching from their subject teachers, they would bend over backwards to help them. Is it an option to explain what you are feeling to a teacher and asking for extra help and support?

I also think that you should try and explain to your parents how you feel. You may be surprised at their reaction and if they are there to support you it will probably become easier - if they put pressure on the college they are more likely to do something!

Reply 8

alexmanic

It is very rare to have brand new questions. I too would say doing past papers is the best form of revision, although perhaps not solely that.

Are you sure about this? You have just given me hope. I know that i can use past papers. If what your say is true then it brings a ray of sunshine in my dark corner of London. But what can i expect to get in the exam if i revise all of the papers from 2000 tills now? An A or B?

i dont know what your college is like and I am aware that mine was excellent, but at our school if anyone wanted extra coaching from their subject teachers, they would bend over backwards to help them. Is it an option to explain what you are feeling to a teacher and asking for extra help and support?

The teachers in my college aren't like that. The guy in my class was the only one in the entire A level department who had a learning disability. They wouldn't help him until he forced them too. They tried to kick him out but he threatned them with disability discrimination. That was when they changed their behaviour.

I also think that you should try and explain to your parents how you feel. You may be surprised at their reaction and if they are there to support you it will probably become easier - if they put pressure on the college they are more likely to do something!

lol i know my parents. I once explained to them that one of my friends was dyslexic. They said that it was an excused for stupidity. People respect dyslexia more then ADHD and imagine what they would say. I have heard them muttering about ADHD being invented by Pharmacutical companies to make kids zombie (Seriously? So are they paying of every government and doctor in the world? The only doctors and so called "experts" i have seen complain about ADHD are those who want to sell something). They are my parents. I have lived with them for 18 years. I know how they will react. So i don't want them involved until i really need to.

you know what. I think i will come out of being anon. I shouldn't be afraid of what people will think of me.

Reply 9

Dude

14

First off, go here.. Those of us in this section may be able to help you out a little.

Second, I would suggest that you have an assessment done by a learning disabilites advisor. Its a little expensive, but it would be worth it if they can find out exacity what you have.

Reply 10

alexmanic

Dude

Second, I would suggest that you have an assessment done by a learning disabilites advisor. Its a little expensive, but it would be worth it if they can find out exacity what you have.

She told me that i would be best for me to wait until she got a report from the teachers about me. Then she could give me some support in college and i would be able to go to the GP to get assed.

Reply 11

Just some guy

10

Ask your teachers why the heck they haven't responded. They have a duty of care towards their pupils and it's seriously unprofessional to just leave something like this.

Reply 12

Dude

14

alexmanic

She told me that i would be best for me to wait until she got a report from the teachers about me. Then she could give me some support in college and i would be able to go to the GP to get assed.

Sorry but I think thats a load of rubbish.

You need an assessment from a specialist, not from your teachers. How are your teachers going to know what your problems are in class when they have loads of other students to worry about. And who knows what your problems are better then you?

Reply 13

lizibeth

8

ok this might sound really stupid, but didnt stingray on neigbours have some sort of ADHD thing and it was helped by eating a good diet not artificial colours or additives. but i dont know how close it is to the real truth, but its worth a try eating more fruit an veg. i find that having omega 3 tablets helps me to concentrate when im revising. i also think you should try and push your college to give you help, it sounds like you are really struggling. but please dont give up, you'll do it!! :biggrin:

also there may be other ways of getting into the job you want without going to uni like apprentiship type things, try and check it out befrore you look at unis- you might just go through the same problems again if you go to uni.
good luck with your exams, and please please dont give up!!! try your best and dont worry about what other people are getting, you know you will have tried your best, thats all you can do. there will always be people doing better than you even if your getting straight As!!

Reply 14

alexmanic

You need an assessment from a specialist, not from your teachers. How are your teachers going to know what your problems are in class when they have loads of other students to worry about. And who knows what your problems are better then you?

That is why i am going to my gp today. I am getting sick and tired of waiting.

ok this might sound really stupid, but didnt stingray on neigbours have some sort of ADHD thing and it was helped by eating a good diet not artificial colours or additives. but i dont know how close it is to the real truth, but its worth a try eating more fruit an veg.

ADHD is caused by a lack of neurotransmitters. Diets won't help. They may make kids less hyperactive if that does happen then they probably weren't ADHD in the first place.

find that having omega 3 tablets helps me to concentrate when im revising. i also think you should try and push your college to give you help, it sounds like you are really struggling. but please dont give up, you'll do it!!

For the last three months i have had omega 3 supplements in addition to the one in my diet already. I have taken out food additives and artificial flavourings in where ever i could find them and i stopped eating simple sugars expect for fruits. The only thing i noticed was some weight loss.

Learning disability

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