Getting GED with learning disability?

Question

I had to drop out of high school my third year. I have ADHD and have been in special ed classes since I was in third grade. While ADHD is not so bad, I was left in the dust by most other students. By Highschool I was still doing basic algebra. Unfortunately Texas Special Ed programs -suck-.

Anyways. I want to get my GED but there's so many options. have met alot of adults with ADHD like me that were left behind, and never got their GED. It's surprising how many of the people I've known that dont have one are just like me. I'm scared and it's depressing and I feel like I am just about to become another statistic.

Some people think ADHD is not so bad, but my improper schooling might mean I never get one.

Is there a special place I can call for help. Like getting GED for people with learning disabilities? I'm 20 years old and my future looks like it's in the toilet. I need that kind of help.

I live in the San Diego area. Thanks alot.

Answer 1

Hi, my daughter is EXACTLY like you. SHe has learning problems and did very poorly in school. I fought the school for YEARS to get her special ed help, but at that time I didn't know the special ed laws and didn't realize all the corruption about special ed in schools.

So, she NEVER got help thru special ed in school.

SHe was in 12th grade and trying to pass all her graduation tests. The school lets the students take 'practice' tests before the real one and she kept failing.

A family emergency came up and she had to quit school for a while.  It ended up that she was able to go back to high school. THe school would not let her back in becuase they said 'you were failing your graduation tests anyway, you would not have graduated anyway'.

How is THAT for paying these crappy people to help our children!?

Anyway, I could have fought that but since she was already 18 it was all up to her and she didn't want to fight them.

She was SO depressed, she wanted her diploma SO bad. She decided to get a GED.

She is currently going to GED classes to get ready to take the GED tests.  She said that these classes are so much EASIER than regular high school because the teacher actually takes time with her and MAKES SURE she understands what she is doing!

You can attest to the fact that public schools do NOT do this, they just pass the kids on anyway no matter how bad their grades are or how much they don't understand.

Anyway, these classes have helped her self esteem SO MUCH!  She has to take 5 tests and she has passed 3 so far!

She did not check to see if they could give her help for learning problems. With the way her learning problems are, she just didn't 'think about it'  I think you know what I mean.

The way you can see if you can get help for the learnign problems is to call your local department of education and tell them you want to talk to someone about GED information.

That person should be able to tell you everything. You can take classes day or night, and they are FREE. Most people in the classes are adults so there will be no more bullying, picking on you because you are different.

I am so GLAD she did this!! I am scared to death for her life and her future because of her problems. For many reasons, we could never get her any help so she's 'winging it' thru life with her problems, and it's VERY hard for her.

She's currently working at a local grocery store while taking the GED classes. THe most trouble she has with the job is people making fun of her because she is slow. She said it's slowly getting better.  I pray for her everyday and cry every day also.

I am SO PROUD of her becuase I never thought she would be able to do a job. I never thought she would do good enough to pass the GED tests. SHe even has a CAR and she's driving BY HERSELF!!  This is HUGE  for her!!

THe way she got it is her grandparents paid for it (used) and she's paying them back by the week. They all agreed if she waited till she got all the money herself it would be a LONG time before she got a car. And she coudlntl' use theirs everyday to go to work and school.  

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Go to your local adult school and get yourself tested. You might have more than just ADHD.  I have an LD also, mine has to do with memory. I was tested at college, and I was given extra time on tests and I got a room to myself when taking exams. I got a master's degree eventually, so it IS possible! Don't give up. Hang in there, and you'll do fine.

Answer 3

There is a program for ADHD that would help you with your goal to attain your GED.  Many young people who never dreamed college would be an option for them, are now attending college because they did this program.  And they are doing very well!

This program will give you the ability to control your ADHD and you will learn how to get success in learning.

Go to http://www.dyslexia.com .  On this site you will find a program for ADHD.  Click on "Find a Provider" and you will find someone in your area to facilitate you through a program.  I believe the closest person to you is near San Clemente, Santa Ana (John Wayne Airport).  

Because this program is 5-8 days long, you can travel to them, or them to you.

If a program is not an option for you, you can read the book, The Gift of Learning by Ron Davis.

Answer 4

If you're not 21 yet, hurry and ask them to please make some accommodations and modifications  when you take the GED  test!!! Bring your IEP along where it states that you need them. Under the idea law , you have the right for equal educational opportunities.

Answer 5

Try anyway, My stepson was being told by other family members he needed classes before he ever tried to take the test. I asked him to take it one time first to see what he fails then he can focus on learning it. In the state of missouri if you pass certian sections those are considered passed and held you do not have to retake them if you can pass the remainder within two years. So he did as I asked and guess what he passed the whole thing on the first try. My advice is give your self some credit and try whatever you dont pass then you can focus on it...

Answer 6

Every Frickin' body in GED classes has a Learning Disability!

Okay, not everyone, but most of them ! Undiagnosed LD is the most common cause of lousy school performance.

Answer 7

Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation and community colleges to see what kinds of programs they offer.  Vocational Rehab would work with you perhaps based on your disability and educational status.  However, they may require you to be retested.  They should provide the testing at no cost.  Some of their training programs are quite good.  One of my former students with a learning disability  and ADHD became a certified electrician courtesy of Voc Rehab.  He's probably making more than me right now.  

Community colleges often have programs that help you finish school or earn your GED at little or no cost to you.  Training programs may also be available.  Don't wait too long for these programs since some may require you to complete financial aid forms and this is the best time of year for you to do it.

PS I bet you can complete the GED with ease, based on your writing.  Basic Algebra is all you need.  There are pre-tests available at the places I listed above.  It shouldn't take you long.  :)  Best wishes to your bright future!