While Non-Verbal Learning Disability is a Learning Disability and it’s not part of the Autistic spectrum, there are a few similarities between the two disabilities. The two most common similarities are social skills and coping with change difficulties. As a result, some students qualify to apply to comprehensive support programs for students on the Autistic Spectrum too. Given that some students with an NVLD need Social Communication Support too, which is included in Autistic Spectrum support programs. Just like some autistic students qualify for admission to learning disability support programs due to academic difficulties. So in this piece, I will discuss a few of the great programs. Read More
In my last two pieces, I discussed the different post-secondary options for students with an NVLD and other disabilities. Now I will discuss what is needed to help you gain admission to the comprehensive support programs at colleges like Curry and Dean College.
The first thing you need to do is to take as many of the regular courses as possible when starting high school while being realistic about your disability too. For example, for a student with an NVLD, taking a lower level of Math would be understandable, as spatial skills are often the biggest weaknesses for those with an NVLD. However, taking the lower level of History would likely be viewed as negative, as so much of the subject is memorizing facts, and that’s a strength for students with an NVLD, so you should be showing your ability, not disability, here. In my personal experience, working at the Dean and Curry College Open houses and having a father who is a school counselor, this is a big reason for rejection, as colleges can question your ability to overcome obstacles. Read More
In my previous piece, I discussed the different types of transition and postgraduate programs for students with an NVLD and other disabilities. Now I will discuss the different college possibilities, as each college offers different levels of support and values inclusion differently. So hopefully the examples I share will help you understand the different options for students with an NVLD and other learning disabilities. Read More
While preparing for life after high school is a big decision for all seniors, it is even harder for students with NVLD and other learning disabilities. Given that colleges do not provide equal amounts of support and not every college is equally inclusive, these students have a harder time choosing the place for themselves. In addition, not every student is ready to start a traditional college curriculum and would be a better candidate for a residential transition program. So in this piece, I will discuss how and where students with NVLD and similar disabilities experience great post-secondary success. Read More
1. Take advantage of disability accommodations: This is extremely helpful for extra time on tests, figuring out which classes may be easiest with fulfilling math or science distributions (learned the hard way to only take easy classes first semester after withdrawing from a psychology class because I was failing), and if your school allows it, getting a single as a first-year since an incompatible roommate can make your life hell. Read More
Exactly 1 year ago, I was diagnosed with NVLD at 26 years old. When the clinician called me to discuss the results and confirmed I had NVLD, I cried, since my teen years and college (especially the latter, where I especially struggled socially due to lack of structure and burnout) would’ve been less isolating and stressful with an appropriate diagnosis. Read More
It’s no secret that I am a true believer that each inclusion decision should be individualized, as every student has different overall needs. However, I am also realistic that for each decision to be completely successful both inside and outside of the classroom, the proper support is so helpful. So in this piece, I will discuss the different forms of inclusion options for students with an NVLD and other Learning Disabilities. Read More
I first noticed that I was different in preschool when the other students had no problem working jigsaw problems, while I struggled with them. This surprised me because I was better than them at most activities. My Kindergarten report card noted that I still couldn’t tie my shoelaces. On the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, my answer for all of the rotated figure problems was “none of the above”. I always get lost easily. If I am by myself in an unknown area, I am helpless. Read More
In my previous piece discuss the importance of having similar expectations and goals for all of your children. Now I will continue sharing the importance of this. In addition I will discuss how things won’t be exactly the same unfortunately but the end results will be very similar such as achieving your true potential and being able to have personal connections. Yes, it may seem hard but I highly believe it will help reduce tension within your family life.
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Growing up with an older sister who excelled in everything and held multiple leadership roles such as being a class officer made me inspired to overcome as much as I could as I wanted to be able to have some of the same experiences she did. This was largely influenced by our parents placing a strong value on us to always do our best and to be connected within our school and community, yet we’re fully aware that our overall results would be different. So in this piece I will discuss the importance of having similar expectations and goals for all of your children. While it may seem hard it will help reduce tension within your family life.
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