[Idiotes]

I hope there might be experienced people on here who could give me some guidance about whether I should approach my University as being dyslexic. I was out of education for about 6 years and have never read a lot, I hated school and never tried at all. I thought I was having trouble reading because of my lack of doing so, but these problems have persisted and are really becoming a problem for me. These are the 'symptoms', if that's what you can call them or not.

- Difficulty in concentrating on reading that leads to extreme tiredness and sometimes giving up if It takes more than half hour to get into a pattern.

- Not being able to coherently follow sentences on the page without getting mixed up and lost.

- After spending to long trying to get into a text and failing, I end up practically falling asleep, even though I was wide awake before starting. (This is even if I really want to read something interesting!)

- If studying at home, I will fall asleep because there is nothing stopping me as I am in a safe environment. I am not lazy at all, which is why I am worried.

- On a good day if I get into a good rhythm and surpass these issues, when I stop reading, I can't focus on anything more than a few metres in front of me afterwards until my eyes adjust.

- Being able to write things down is sometimes impossible when other thoughts interfere with each other which results in poor notes that don't make any sense.

- Spelling is also a huge issue, but I only think this affects me on exams. However the fact my Uni does not give out feedback for exams, I can't be sure. (I rely heavily on proof reading and always 'define' words on Google to try and understand better)

- Comprehension and taking in the information is also a problem. I have a picture perfect memory, but I am terrible at remembering immediate things. This is also crippling in social circumstances, when people think you werent paying attention to their talking.

I just thought these were normal problems which resulted from not being educated properly by my schools, a student mentor thinks otherwise and wants me to get some help.

Unfortunately, the student support services website is really scary
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It sounds so mechanical and unfriendly that I don't want to make an idiot out of myself. Does anyone familiar with these issues think it warrants further assessment?

[Apophenia]

I think universities often require recent documentation proving dyslexia before they make any accommodations anyway, if that's what you or your mentor thinks might help. (I don't think many universities will actually DO the testing that they require first before they provide services.)

Testing might be helpful to you - especially if you're not sure where exactly your strengths and weaknesses may lie. It doesn't matter if you "have dyslexia" - everybody has relative strengths and weaknesses. Testing is only a tool to empower you. It's wise to know oneself! Whoever does the testing might be able to make helpful recommendations based on what they find.

Sometimes testing is expensive...but it's worth it if you can afford it, and you're willing to research and design your own self-supports to make use of your strengths to make up for any weaknesses you might have. The testing gives you a place to start. (I work/study in a field that does similar kinds of testing.)

In my opinion, if you're sure you want to attend/complete a degree at your university despite your difficulty, you must continually practice being a bold and informed advocate for yourself. (Sounds like you're on the right track since you're asking for input!)

[Idiotes]

Originally Posted by Apophenia To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I think universities often require recent documentation proving dyslexia before they make any accommodations anyway, if that's what you or your mentor thinks might help. (I don't think many universities will actually DO the testing that they require first before they provide services.) Testing might be helpful to you - especially if you're not sure where exactly your strengths and weaknesses may lie. It doesn't matter if you "have dyslexia" - everybody has relative strengths and weaknesses. It's wise to know oneself! Whoever does the testing might be able to make helpful recommendations based on what they find. Sometimes testing is expensive...but it's worth it if you can afford it, and you're willing to research and design your own self-supports to make use of your strengths to make up for any weaknesses you might have. The testing gives you a place to start. (I work/study in a field that does similar kinds of testing.) In my opinion, if you're sure you want to attend/complete a degree at your university despite your difficulty, you must continually practice being a bold and informed advocate for yourself. (Sounds like you're on the right track since you're asking for help here!)

Thank you for your advice. I am sceptical about dyslexia as a concept, as you say it's just a label for certain problems which are strengths and weaknesses like any other.

What worries me is the stress that those problems I stated causes. I have been patient with it (1.5 years of uni), but it's really frustrating and I am not enjoying it as much as I should be. I did email these people before, but they instantly said make an appointment for an assesment. All I wanted was some friendly advice and help with trying to over come these problems. I didn't think their approach was very accomodating seeing as they're supposed to be good at dealing with people.

I am also worried that my lack of social skills and poor attitude to socialising would be put in the frame as if it's a problem.

---------- Post added 01-27-2012 at 10:39 PM ----------


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Sorry, I don't know how to reply to comments properly.

[Apophenia]

Originally Posted by Idiotes To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Thank you for your advice. I am skeptical about dyslexia as a concept, as you say it's just a label for certain problems which are strengths and weaknesses like any other. What worries me is the stress that those problems I stated causes. I have been patient with it (1.5 years of uni), but it's really frustrating and I am not enjoying it as much as I should be. I did email these people before, but they instantly said make an appointment for an assessment. All I wanted was some friendly advice and help with trying to over come these problems. I didn't think their approach was very accommodating seeing as they're supposed to be good at dealing with people. I am also worried that my lack of social skills and poor attitude to socializing would be put in the frame as if it's a problem. I don't care about funding and being assessed. I just want help.

It sounds like you're not ready/willing to be tested at all? (You don't have to involve your university if you don't want to)

And don't doubt that dyslexia is real - it is! But yes, even dyslexia is a combination of specific strengths and weaknesses (namely a significant weakness in specific areas despite average to above average IQ overall).

Dealing with stress in an even bigger way might help too - sometimes stress can sabotage what would otherwise be seamless effectiveness. What do you do to deal with stress?

[mieu]

Definitely hook up with your university, they have folks that will spend time with you on your notes and assignments. I was offered help because I was diagnosed with ADHD (and my grades were in the shitter one semester), someone who would take notes in class with me or had access to notes from past years to help me study (I didn't take them up on it, as the medication I'm on suits me fine, and I'd let my grades slip out of misbehavior). I am almost positive they'd have someone who is willing to read through your notes with you or help you to take notes, it may well cut your effort and stress in half.

[Idiotes]

Originally Posted by Apophenia To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

It sounds like you're not ready/willing to be tested at all? (You don't have to involve your university if you don't want to) And don't doubt that dyslexia is real - it is! But yes, even dyslexia is a combination of specific strengths and weaknesses (namely a significant weakness in specific areas despite average to above average IQ overall). Dealing with stress in an even bigger way might help too - sometimes stress can sabotage what would otherwise be seamless effectiveness. What do you do to deal with stress?

When I was a teenager I had a drug problem, so my experiences with anything based on psychological assesments worries me. I know it's not quite the same thing, but I am afraid I might say something to cause a problem, as I did that before and I got sectioned for trying to explain drug induced hallucinations, for example. (I know that's a bit heavy, but it's probably relevant to my complacency in this context)

I am just a bit worried about being told that I am dyslexic. I have been reading about it and the symptoms and experiences people describe are frighteningly similar. I wouldn't see an assesment as solving a problem. Although the mentor did say they could work out the specifics and areas for improvement, like you said also. That would help for self development.

Well up until this term I have just been coping. But I have been suffering a lot more this term as the reading volume to get through has jumped, thus tipping the balance. I have started running most evenings, been playing a lot of guitar and I have also been drinking everyday this week, despite normally drinking once a month. I suppose it's the result of spending more time in the library where I end up just punishing myself to read.

---------- Post added 01-27-2012 at 11:21 PM ----------

Originally Posted by mieu To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Definitely hook up with your university, they have folks that will spend time with you on your notes and assignments. I was offered help because I was diagnosed with ADHD (and my grades were in the shitter one semester), someone who would take notes in class with me or had access to notes from past years to help me study (I didn't take them up on it, as the medication I'm on suits me fine, and I'd let my grades slip out of misbehavior). I am almost positive they'd have someone who is willing to read through your notes with you or help you to take notes, it may well cut your effort and stress in half.

It's looking likely now. I have booked an appointment to see my academic advisor who I have not met yet! I have been taking the whole independent learning thing a bit too literally, so I will ask her to approach the support unit.

That sounds like they really did give you a lot of support. It scares me that they will be offering me all this when I only want help reading. I have learned how to deal with writing, to a point, but reading and writing without a pc is a big problem. Thanks for your comment
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[Apophenia]

Originally Posted by Idiotes To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

When I was a teenager I had a drug problem, so my experiences with anything based on psychological assesments worries me. I know it's not quite the same thing, but I am afraid I might say something to cause a problem, as I did that before and I got sectioned for trying to explain drug induced hallucinations, for example. (I know that's a bit heavy, but it's probably relevant to my complacency in this context) I am just a bit worried about being told that I am dyslexic. I have been reading about it and the symptoms and experiences people describe are frighteningly similar. I wouldn't see an assesment as solving a problem. Although the mentor did say they could work out the specifics and areas for improvement, like you said also. That would help for self development. Well up until this term I have just been coping. But I have been suffering a lot more this term as the reading volume to get through has jumped, thus tipping the balance. I have started running most evenings, been playing a lot of guitar and I have also been drinking everyday this week, despite normally drinking once a month. I suppose it's the result of spending more time in the library where I end up just punishing myself to read.

I am happy to know you run - I've read about how much that can really help people de-stress and improve their daily effectiveness.

While it may seem frightening to think you have dyslexia, in a year or two more of working on studying, self care and organization, you will probably forget it. It sounds like you're doing good if you've been in uni for a year and a half - hang in there!


You can probably google some study and compensation strategies and get ideas about how to change what you're doing to make it easier, and more effective for your grades. You don't have the disorder to benefit from efficiency! I'd be happy to discuss some ideas I have over chat, if you're interested.

(And drinking... I'm sure you have thoughts about that... Drinking at night can affect your sleep hygiene, which I find is a BIG factor in being able to manage large work loads effectively. And a factoid: people who are sleep deprived lose the capacity to know that they're sleep deprived because they're sleep deprived. Loop of denial!)

[Idiotes]

Originally Posted by Apophenia To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I am happy to know you run - I've read about how much that can really help people de-stress and improve their daily effectiveness. While it may seem frightening to think you have dyslexia, in a year or two more of working on studying, self care and organization, you will probably forget it. It sounds like you're doing good if you've been in uni for a year and a half - hang in there! You can probably google some study and compensation strategies and get ideas about how to change what you're doing to make it easier, and more effective for your grades. You don't have the disorder to benefit from efficiency! I'd be happy to discuss some ideas I have over chat, if you're interested. (And drinking... I'm sure you have thoughts about that... Drinking at night can affect your sleep hygiene, which I find is a BIG factor in being able to manage large work loads effectively. And a factoid: people who are sleep deprived lose the capacity to know that they're sleep deprived because they're sleep deprived. Loop of denial!)

It does feel refreshing to run. I use it to reflect and think and it kind of helps clear the mind.

I am sure I am just pondering over it too much. You're right, I am sure just getting it dealt with would be beneficial in the long term.

That sounds like a great Idea! Thanks for the offer as well, I am interested to hear your ideas. :D

Ahaha, I will cut out the drink. It wasn't helping at all, I was just trying to force myself to relax about it. Does work surprisingly well, whilst it lasts!

[Scrotus]

OP, you should go talk to your family doctor and see if you have Adult ADD/Adult ADHD. inb4 intj's who haven't actually researched the symptoms of ADD begin spewing their hate. I had your symptoms and began using Adderall and I cried when I realized how easy reading is for "normal" people (normal is subjective, remember this).

I also have dyslexia with b/d, p/q, left/right. Do I know if they are related? No. But I do have what society considers "ADD".

If you're fine with drugs, give it a legitimate shot. It either will or will not work. The end.

[Apophenia]

	Originally Posted by Idiotes To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I wouldn't see an assessment as solving a problem. Although the mentor did say they could work out the specifics and areas for improvement, like you said also. That would help for self development.

At this point it's just semantics, and I'm not sure what you mean for the above statement, but I wanted to make note of something. No need to reply!


What I've learned is that "specific areas of improvement" found through testing should probably be managed as mostly permanent areas of difficulty that will need to be alleviated creatively. Learn to trust that it can be managed.

Testing isn't going to tell you what your weaknesses or needs are in your study or your life, but the details about how your mind works might point you in the right direction in identifying specific problems (and inform those people who might be able to assist you). Using the information from the test and the professionals, you will have to ask yourself what you might not yet be doing to help yourself succeed (and do some research, and keep reminding yourself and re-designing your strategies once you figure the out - it's easy to forget!).

So, in my opinion, one cannot out-learn their personal brain capacities, and one shouldn't attack a weakness identified in testing in attempts to eliminate it. However, instead, one can use the brain strengths they have in any way they choose - and that's where one can creatively use their strengths to tend to weaknesses.

I think it's important to tend to weaknesses YOU'VE identified in life and study with the help of testing and professionals, and not necessarily try to eliminate weaknesses defined in testing, or commit to the popular solutions (recommendations by one professional or recommendations for one disorder). Testing, and diagnostic labels give you a place to start when creating an environment, applying strategies and making habits that support your goals. But all the labels about what dyslexia or whatever you "have", the testing, and the helping professionals will never design a system that's perfect for you (though they will help you make it!) - you're the only one who can know all about you enough to make changes that help you the most. So, I'd say trust the professionals to help, maybe try what they say, but commit to identifying your needs and helping yourself more so.

But both eliminating the weakness and making up for it have the same result - improvement.

[Idiotes]

Originally Posted by Scrotus To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

OP, you should go talk to your family doctor and see if you have Adult ADD/Adult ADHD. inb4 intj's who haven't actually researched the symptoms of ADD begin spewing their hate. I had your symptoms and began using Adderall and I cried when I realized how easy reading is for "normal" people (normal is subjective, remember this). I also have dyslexia with b/d, p/q, left/right. Do I know if they are related? No. But I do have what society considers "ADD". If you're fine with drugs, give it a legitimate shot. It either will or will not work. The end.

My family docoter retired a few years ago. I never go there anymore because it's always a different doctor and you have to start from scratch everytime. I think it's important to know your doctor, otherwise you have no understanding of each other.

I am not sure what you meant, but I was not trying to spew hate. I don't really express much emotion in what I say, I am just being honest about my problems because so far I have just tried dealing with it and it just gets on top of me.

I just assumed reading was hard because I have not read the same volume before, it has now become apparent that it might be more than that.

Thanks for your post though, I am going to talk to an advisor Tuesday before approaching the support services at university.

[Chameleon]

Intuition, is the problem; over-active while dealing with written language. The fatigue comes from fighting it, while trying to concentrate; followed by frustration, and other negative thoughts.

[Idiotes]

	Originally Posted by Chameleon To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Intuition, is the problem; over-active while dealing with written language. The fatigue comes from fighting it, while trying to concentrate; followed by frustration, and other negative thoughts.

This exemplifies what I was trying to say in the terms of the MBTI. The process you describe is crippling my ability to study. I have got some really good advice from posting this thread, so I am hopefull that seeking advice from the university will help try and deal with this problem. I know I am not completely stupid, but only being able to scrape the core reading is not good enough. I really thought that the further reading list was just ridiculous as no one could read the core and still have time to do that. I am terrible at bottling things up. Believe it or not, this is actually a miracle that I am discussing this with anyone at all.