The challenges of graduating from high school with ADHD or dyslexia are still an obstacle for many students who find that their educational system is unsupportive despite increased awareness and resources.
11 year old Denim Padberg became an advocate for kids with dyslexia. He has personal knowledge of the experience of trying to learn in an unsupportive environment.
He did not receive the tools he needed to succeed, even the ones listed in his special education plan. Teachers said he just needed more time. Or they would say “We know you can get this — just try harder.” And finally, a comment made by a teacher two years ago still bothers him: “He’s too smart to be dyslexic.”
The National Center for Learning Disabilities recently released a report showing that students with learning disabilities graduate from high school at a rate more than 10 percent lower than the overall student population. “The State of Learning Disabilities: Understanding the 1 in 5” shows how misconceptions about learning disabilities lead to frustration, failure, and poor relationships with teachers – not exactly encouragement to stay in school.
“If they’re not graduating, it begins to spiral and begins a negative trajectory for them,” said Mimi Corcoran, president and CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
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