We’re all born a little fragile. We come into the world as a vulnerable human being unaware of our surroundings. Having NVLD makes me a little more sensitive and hyperaware of the world around me. Growing up as a young child, I was continually criticized for being too “sensitive” which in turn exposed me to raw vulnerability. Read More
More than ever during these crazy times, I have realized how lucky I was to run for you. Since I think daily about how often you looked out for me and how you have also been such great support to my parents too. So many with an NVLD, or similar disabilities, lack this type of relationship in their lives, which helps me appreciate ours even more. Read More
It’s another day at work, and I’m hoping to have a casual conversation with my boss. I’ve been planning this for a few days- I’ve even used my husband as a sounding board- and as I stand outside his office, I run through the checklist we created.
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My name is Katie. I am a person with a language impairment and learning disabilities. I was diagnosed at the young age of three. I did not start talking until I was three years old. I did not talk in a complete sentence until I was five years old. I am the only person with a disability in my immediate family.
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Living independently for the first time. Moving for a new job. Adapting after trauma. Giving your lifetime “yes” to your spouse at the altar. Saying “goodbye” to a loved one well before her time. Battling a chronic illness. Watching your daughter walk across the stage at his college graduation.
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I had finally found a place where it was acceptable to be myself, and this place was my high school, yes, that’s right, my high school. I had just moved with my family and so I started high school as an unknown and that’s just how I liked it.
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One of the most important considerations in working with people with disabilities is to give an individualized approach to the person. I had an Individualized Education Plan in my public school years and an Individualized Service Plan beginning in college. I am grateful for the accommodations and specialty instruction that enabled me to be successful in school. I often felt that the services, especially as I grew, were generalized and not customized to what I needed.
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Laughter has always been a hidden language for me. I always took things literally. My first memory of this was when I was maybe about five years old, and had caught the flu. My mom had told me “I caught a bug from school.” I honestly thought I had an actual bug inside my body that was making me sick. I took it upon myself to find a flashlight and to “look for the bug down my throat.” This was just the beginning of taking things so literally.
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Among my most positive experiences growing up with an NVLD was being a three-season runner. Since I gained an advocate, great friends and most of all I had a purpose at school. Therefore, it was upsetting to me that my experience was so uncommon as others with similar disabilities were missing out of the benefits it provided. During these unprecedented times more than ever I have thought this shouldn’t be as personal connections are so beneficial.
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Hey, hi, how are you? Oh, you weren’t talking to me? There’s someone else right behind me? Awkward. I guess I should pay more attention to my surroundings. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, so I can understand if you’ve forgotten who I am, although I probably won’t realize it until later.
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