Paola
Location: New York
Age: 27
Biography: My name is Paola. I am 27 and live in New York. Although I struggled with behavioral issues, socialization, executive dysfunction, spatial awareness, and learning disabilities (particularly math) from a young age, I did not get a formal NVLD diagnosis until last year. I am proud of myself for achievements such as getting a Master’s degree, living abroad, and living independently, although it’s been a lonely uphill battle. Now that I have more clarity, I hope to help others and be the person I needed when I was younger.
- What motivated you to become a Social Ambassador for the NVLD Project?
After spending most of my life feeling extremely isolated from my peers, I wrote myself off as too “difficult”, “lazy”, “stupid”, and “impossible to get along with”. Since I got a proper diagnosis last year at almost 27, I have been deliberately seeking community and ways to feel less alone. I hope that by becoming a social ambassador, I can be the person I needed when I was younger.
- What advice would you give to others living with NVLD?
Take advantage of all of the services available to you since self-advocacy is especially important as you get older. As hard as making friends can be, vulnerability will never scare away the people who really matter. Rejection is an inevitable part of life in all aspects and doesn’t define your worth. Avoiding difficult tasks or conversations won’t make them go away.
