Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by sensorsbroken 1818 days ago
This describes me well. As a kid, I scored off the charts in math but was decidedly average in verbal. I can read technical literature all day long, but most works of fiction, historical writings, etc, are lost on me completely.

I was in G&T throughout grade school, anyway, since I was among the top students in math. My learning disability was unidentified until adulthood, unfortunately.

Now, as a middle aged adult, I'm broken, homeless, and destitute, socially and reputationally ruined, and a bit beyond the level of youthful neuroplasticity needed to engage in meaningful continued education, contemplating suicide day in and day out for years and decades on end. It's a miracle I'm still here.

The takeaway here is to take to heart the idea that such early disparities are indicative of a learning disability. Please address the child's disability concurrent to nurturing the child's talent.

4 comments

I hope things get better for you. And while everyone is different, a lot of studies these days are leaning towards neuroplasticity actually continuing pretty strongly even into old age. So don't give up. You may need to find good treatment for any learning disabilities, but you can always learn more.
There’s also data to indicate that SSRI’s working mechanism is actually by stimulating neuro-regeneration meaning they can help restore some neuroplasticity. They can be worth considering.

Or more extreme treatments like ketamine research that appears to promote neuroplasticity.

Both of those require some changes in cognitive behaviors. CBT appears the best technique. The best thing about universities is that they normally offer excellent mental health services for free (or part of tuition).

To the OP: hang in there!

Thanks! I'm probably a lost cause. There's a much better ROI focusing on children.
Wow, it sounds like you've been through a lot. I hope things get better for you somehow.
> Things have deteriorated ...

I'm sorry about that

Can't reply to your recent post, (it is disabled), so replying here

I also have a learning disability

> Now, as a middle aged adult, I'm broken, homeless, and destitute, socially and reputationally ruined, and a bit beyond the level of youthful neuroplasticity needed to engage in meaningful continued education, contemplating suicide day in and day out for years and decades on end. It's a miracle I'm still here

What things give you hope? What are the miracles that still causes you to be here?

You mentioned praying for forgiveness. Did you receive an answer? What would you like forgiveness for?

Looking forward to hearing from you

Heartbreaking to hear. I hope you can find peace, shelter and safety. Hang in there, please.