How should I describe my learning disability - dyslexia - to the college I am going to?

Question

(They have me completing a form and it asks me to describe my learning disability)

Answer 1

you can look up dyslexia online-

and then paraphrase what the websites say

cause me to have difficulty with

necessitates the accommodations of...

Answer 2

I have a learning disability and I'm also in college. However, I never once mentioned that I had a learning disability. The reason why I never mentioned that I had a learning disability simply because it was none of their business. It was on a "Need to know basis" and the college did not need to know. However, if you feel like that they need to know I would tell them that "I'm dyslexic" and let that be it. It is straightforward without going into details of your disability.

Edit: Remember, if you do mention your disability also more focus on the positive aspects of your skills and education. It balances out any negative aspects of your disability that they might otherwise see.

Answer 3

First , allow me to offer my congrats to you for pursuing a college education. This is a tough move for anyone and im sure you too have met your share of difficulties.

I would be honest about my abilites and at the same time describe how you have rose above your difficulties. In other words, accentuate the positives. You are so much more than your learning abilities-and they want to hear all about it!

Answer 4

They are looking for ways to help you. Is reading text slow?  Does your writing look large or possibly even illegible? Is it better if you sit at the front of the classroom? Does it help if you use your record the teacher's lecture?  That sort of thing.

Answer 5

It's OK to use the term "dyslexia", but you might want to be more specific by describing some of your unique learning situations. For example:  "I have mild dyslexia which causes me difficulty with reading rapidly and fluently, although I can usually comprehend what I read if given a context and extended time.  Spelling is difficult for me and I do best with  a spell checker on any written assignments, including tests.  Because of my reading and spelling difficulties, I find I benefit from having a copy of the professor's notes, access to books on tape, and extended time for taking tests to give me time to read and comprehend the questions.  I learn best by listening and watching."

Answer 6

You can explain it as seeing things differently from everyone else and you might need more help and time on assigments and papers.  They're probably asking you to describe the extent of your disability also, so they can have the right people helping you to do your best.

Answer 7

If you can get your hands on you IEP (which I'm assuming you have) use terms from that and provide your college with a copy. Otherwise, just stating you are dyslexic should suffice. That's a pretty straightforward diagnosis.