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LD Myths

Having an accurate understanding of learning disabilities and how they may impact the college experience, is an important first step toward a successful postsecondary educational experience. Below are some "myths" and the corresponding "truths" that you may find helpful.

MYTH: Having a learning disability means I have low overall intelligence.
TRUTH: Learning disabilities affect individuals at various levels of intellectual ability. LD does NOT refer to a "global" problem, but rather reflects a severe discrepancy between overall ability and specific area(s) of disability.
MYTH: College is too hard for students with learning disabilities.
TRUTH: Many students with learning disabilities successfully complete the most challenging academic programs at the best universities and professional schools.
MYTH: Because I have a learning disability, college professors will give me easier assignments to complete.
TRUTH: Students with learning disabilities take the same courses and complete the same assignments as all students. They may, however, use appropriate accommodations to "level the playing field."
MYTH: If I use accommodations for my learning disability, it will give me an unfair advantage over other students.
TRUTH: Accommodations only "level the playing field." They do not provide an unfair advantage any more than eyeglasses provide an unfair advantage for someone who has poor visual acuity.
MYTH: Students with learning disabilities don't have to work any harder than other students.
TRUTH: Most students with learning disabilities do have to work harder than the average student to achieve success. However, the "silver lining" for those who are willing to put in the extra effort is that being a hard worker is a highly-valued characteristic in the work world.
MYTH: I will automatically get the same modifications in college as I had in high school (such as having my tests read to me).
TRUTH: In college, your accommodations will be based on your documented area(s) of disability. In high school, sometimes other factors are considered that will not apply at the college level.
MYTH: I will outgrow my learning disability.
TRUTH: Learning disabilities are lifelong. However, you can learn to use effective learning strategies that allow you to use your strengths to compensate for your weaknesses.
MYTH: I have always had difficulty with math and writing. . I can't learn these things.
TRUTH: Just because these subjects have been difficult for you, doesn't mean that there aren't different approaches that would be effective for you. The willingness to try new approaches has been one of the major reasons for the success experienced by many LD college students.
MYTH: People with learning disabilities are lazy. They just don't try hard enough.
TRUTH: After repeated unsuccessful attempts, an individual with a learning disability may feel it hurts less to not try than it does to try and fail. The individual may feel s/he has no control over what happens to her/him. This is called learned helplessness. Small doses of success are the best antidote to learned helplessness. It has nothing to do with laziness.
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