Learning Disabilities

I'm a 23-year-old musician from Scotland. I've been through seven years of primary school, five years of high school and one year at university. I am currently unemployed—due to my disabilities, it is hard for me to get a job. I don't want to work in a supermarket or be in retail. I aim for something I want to do. If I do what I love, I love what I do. That's my motto.

When I was maybe six years old, my mum and dad took me to a specialist because I was having trouble with my speech. But the specialists told them I was having trouble eating. Which wasn't true. I have never had any trouble eating and I probably never will. It wasn't until my last year at college I realized I was having trouble understanding words, numbers, and all that. I was studying higher music at college and the music theory class was a bit tricky for me really, understanding the notes and beats, so I booked an appointment with the learning department. I took a few tests and it came back as having Dyslexia. So I was taken to the educational psychology department for further tests. While I was there I was told that all the lectures in the course would be aware that I have difficulties. But did the lectures care? No, they didn't. I was asked questions that I couldn't answer. So the lectures thought I was being lazy.

At high school, I wanted to study medicine and try to make it as a doctor. But as I got into the higher class in Biology, the words got longer and longer and I couldn't understand anymore. I still did my best and got a good result in the exam. So I was paying more attention to Music and History. I took advance classes in Music and Higher in History. I wasn't doing very well in English, Math, or anything for that matter. I now have a Diploma in Music and an Honors degree in Audio production.

Not only do I have all of that, but I also have a stutter. So I tend to mess up my words a little. I also don't do well in social matters. I can't communicate well with other people or look at someone in the eyes while talking to them. I also have stage fright and Glossophobia. I'm fine when I'm in my bands, performing and all that. But standing in front of people, I can't handle it.

I've been tested and been given the results I have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADD, and I am currently being tested for Autism.

To this day, I never let my learning difficulties get to me. Right now, I am a musician, session musician, audio engineer, magician, and editor.

If you or anybody you know has any learning difficulties, make sure they get the help they need and keep an eye open for the symptoms. I had the symptoms and they were ignored. So if you notice anyone having trouble with writing, spelling, or having difficulties in a social matter. Ask them because it will help them in the future and the help they get will help them in their future too.

If you or anyone you know is being affected by learning difficulties and feel like it's affecting your future, here is my word of advice for you.

"Do what you love. Be what you want to be."

If you love what you do, you'll love what you do.

If you want to be a teacher, then focus on being the teacher you want to be. If you want to be an engineer, be the engineer you want to be.

Never give up on your dreams and hopes.

Aim big.

Be positive.