Should I tell my teachers about my hydrocephalus and my mild mental disability? I am really nervous about this semester, even though I have had one class before. I have also had both teachers before. It doesn't make me less nervous when it is my 2 worst subjects. It is a math and english class. I passed my english class semester, that is the reason I have moved on to the next class. I failed my math class so I am taking it over again, but I am still really nervous. When I take a math test I get so nervous that I start shaking and almost cry. I know the material it is just putting it down on paper. I don't want to be taking out of the class for a test because then I feel embarrassed.

Any help would be nice.

Jennifer

This is an excellent question. I personally think professors should know about any learning disabilities you have. You're not giving them a fair chance to help you if you don't tell them. (If you were in SPED growing up, you'll have no trouble getting services. Just be glad you weren't in school when I was. Colleges weren't required to do anything, and many didn't. )

The hydro, IMO, is a different issue. If you have had serious problems with it (severe headaches, balance issues, seizures, etc), they should know, and you need to be prepared to tell them what it is and how it affects you. If not, I don't think I'd bother.

LIZARD

I have only just let my tutors know (not specifically about the hydro, just about the problems I have occasionally. They are not allowed to ask specifically, or tho the disability officer knows. I gave him a referral letter from my GP to my new neurosurgeon) after having done a Food Techology degree and 1 semester of nursing without any assistance. I don't regret it, because I think it allowed me to show my full potential. Without it, my marks would not have been as good as they were. I have had "panic attacks" like you described you had all through school and university too.

Don't feel afraid to ask for services to which you are entitled. If you are not entitled to them, they will soon tell you. But you are entitled to an "even playing field" and that's what these services are meant to provide.

By the way - I was no good at maths in school, but when I did it in the first year of my food tech degree I got 2 distinctions! I think that proves that I can still do maths, but need the right teacher (had a good tutor and lecturer) and atmosphere to achieve my best.

Nat.

Hi:

I can see this from both sides of the issue because I have been through it and I have a Brother who is a College Professor. It is always to your advantage to let your Professors the nature of your learning disabilities and other problems that will change the manner in which you both learn information and the way that you are able to express it in exams amd papers.
All my Professors were very understanding and were willing to work with me so that I would have the best chance possible to complete my work and pass the courses. I was in College 30 years ago and was very fortunate.

As Lizard says in the time when we were born and dealing with school there were few people who understood lerning disablilities and considered students to be "lazy" because it was easier.

Another thing that is important is that if you have a siezure disorder it is to your advantage that you teacher knows it because it can be to your advantage and prevent you from getting hurt if you should have a problem in class one day

Mister

hello again,Jennifer.When I was at primary/secondary school my teacher knew about my health conditions........I have only told 2 professors from med school and they have done anything they could to help me.........and I really really need help Sometimes I have a huge difficulty to memorize what I study and now,since my latest deterioration of my health condition I am planning to talk to my professors.........we need all the help we can get Jennifer.