While I am not a special education teacher, I have a deep understanding of what students need. This understanding comes from remembering all the techniques and methods that my teachers, therapists, and coaches used with me over the years. Their willingness to work with me differently compared to other students truly contributed to my success, as the reality was that an NVLD has different needs than others with learning disabilities.
For example, one thing that can ensure your success is making sure you have the same resource room teacher all throughout high school. Given your academic, and social communication skills and emotional challenges, the familiarity you develop each year allows your resource room teacher to give you all the guidance, direction, and support that you need. Had I switched teachers every year, this strong working relationship would have been missing. For example, when I started to become overwhelmed and unfocused she always knew exactly when I needed a break or needed to work with her individually to regain focus. Situations like this appear to be common for students with an NVLD. Another benefit of having the same resource room teacher each year is being able to set high personal, academic, and social goals for each school year. I remember the motivating talks Beth Bresett, my resource teacher and I had each first day of school and how hard we worked together which led to me reaching my goals.
Another example is on lengthy test days such as final exams it helps to take tests with a proctor that knows you and in a smaller setting. This is because NVLD students often become fatigued and overwhelmed easily so they have a greater risk of shutdown. This is typically caused by having a relatively slow processing speed and worrying more they experience more unwanted stress. Having a proctor who knows them well truly helps prevent shutdowns. By being more familiar with you they can sense when positive encouragement is needed or when you just need a quick break to regroup. Fortunately, my resource room teacher learned this early and I took most of my tests with her as she was excellent at keeping me focused and staying relaxed. While you may feel like you’re getting special privileges, the truth is that students with NVLD often need more emotional support.
Also it is important for students with an NVLD to be in a partial inclusion educational setting for Elementary school and full inclusion by the secondary level. This may seem strange to say but full inclusion models for each school level have some key differences. For example, full inclusion at the elementary school level means support services are always provided within the regular classroom setting which isn’t always appropriate. For example for services like Occupational and Speech therapy direct practice is very crucial to reach goals. These services can’t always be provided as effectively within the regular classroom given there isn’t a private place to work and being in a large classroom brings unwanted distractions. In addition, it is not unusual for students with an NVLD to need a place to just cool off. Having the service providers come to your classroom doesn’t make this possible should the need arise as there is no separate space available to regroup within the classroom when needed.
Now for secondary students full inclusion absolutely needs to take place as at this point full means taking all of your courses with non-disabled peers too since you switch for all courses. By doing this you will have greater opportunities to form strong friendships, experience personal growth, and to be able to form wonderful teacher-student relationships which are all greatly needed for your success. Personally, I was a full inclusion student while the majority of my classmates with learning disabilities were in a partial inclusion program. I quickly saw the real effects this had. It was clear they weren’t able to achieve the same level of overall achievements that I did. This was because their overall experiences were limited by not being with non-disabled peers as much as I was and having fewer opportunities to be challenged academically.
Now to wrap up Part A. Overall it is important to understand each student with an NVLD has their own needs so not everyone will have every single component of NVLD. However, that being said, you must be always honest about your needs and are realistic about what will help you overcome all parts of your disability. While there is more awareness today NVLD is still a misunderstood disability. Reaching your maximum potential involves doing things differently at times. This may seem overwhelming but eventually, by doing this, you will see how it makes things easier.
Eileen
Eileen is a Project Social Ambassador and blogger for The NVLD Project. She loves helping others understand they can achieve their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication.
