A Resource for Adult Dyslexics: by Linda Tessler

The Language of Dyslexia by Linda Tessler, a Doctor and a Dyslexic

How college students with disabilities can advocate for themselves

Five Psychological Cues* to Manage Life with a Learning Disability

by Linda G. Tessler, Ph.D., Psychologist, Bryn Mawr, PA

1. TAKE ACTION: It’s Enough To Be On Your Way
Situation
You’ve just learned that you (or your child) have a learning disability. You’re sad, filled with self-pity (Oh, poor me). You're angry, filled with self-pity (Why me?!). You’re scared, filled with self-pity (I’ll never be good at anything!)

What are you going to do? Answer: Take Action

Action One: Go ahead and grieve. It’s normal and is even a healing process. It’s okay as long as it is only a first step and not a permanent condition.

Action Two: Accept your situation and recognize that your learning disability needs attention. Also, put your learning disability in perspective. It is part of who you are, not the sum total of you. Understand that you have a perceptual difference; this difference gives you some perceptual advantages and some disadvantages. You will have to work hard. But your learning disability can be managed.

Action Three: Investigate. Research. Ask questions to find out all the help that is available to you. Call Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (1-800-221-4792). Call the National Learning Disability Association(412-341-1515) or The International Dyslexia Association(410-296-0232). Pick the brain of someone else who has a similar problem. There is a wealth of resources, but you must actively search them out. Parents, please note there is a direct correlation between early intervention and reading ability. With children, the earlier the diagnosis and remediation, the greater their achievement as readers.

Action Four: Set a goal for yourself. Use your dreams to create your goal. Dreams are like stars; even though you may never reach them, they will help you find your way. The only way to grow is to take chances, to push yourself. You’ll never know how much you can achieve, if you don’t challenge yourself by taking risks. Be sure to name your goal and make it something you can measure.

Remember too, that failure is an unavoidable and necessary part of growth. Therefore, expect some failures along the way; they are sure to occur. Regard each one as an opportunity to learn. When you make a mistake, it’s one obstacle out of the way. You won’t make the same error again. It is helpful to think of your imperfections in the same way we regard hand-made objects. Such items are cherished precisely for their imperfections. The human touch, with all its imperfections, makes an item unique and valuable. Regard yourself in the same generous way.

Action Five: Determine the first step you are able to take down the path to your goal. Promise yourself you’re going to stick with this first step until it’s done, and keep this promise. Self-esteem comes from keeping promises to yourself, being trustworthy. When you've completed the first step, evaluate your decision to go down this path. It’s okay to change your mind. But if this goal is still something you want to pursue, get started on the next step.

Looking too far ahead can be overwhelming, so don’t do it. Break your big goal down into manageable steps that are in your control. For example, your goal may be to complete a certain course of study. The grades your teachers will give you are not in your control. What is in your control, however, is how much you study and utilize the help available to you. Achievement, satisfaction and self fulfillment come from completing each step and knowing that you did your best to accomplish that much. It’s enough to be on your way.

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