Even the teachers did not hesitate to tell her to her face that there would never be any sense from her. Not to mention peers – they mocked the girl with the cruelty that only children are capable of.
First, a little terminology. Dyslexia is a disorder in which a person retains the ability to learn, but with many “buts”. Dyslexics have problems with all skills related to writing: literacy, writing, reading, arithmetic, concentration. All these problems can occur both together and separately. And ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We do not take this disease seriously, attributing all the symptoms to a lack of upbringing and pampering. But in fact, this is a disorder when a child cannot control himself either in emotions or in actions, is inattentive, it is very difficult for him to concentrate, he is always in motion – and all because some parts of his brain have not matured. This condition is not treated, but only corrected. It is believed that the child will outgrow him – maybe at 10 years old, or maybe at 18.
A little Australian woman named Phoebe had everything at once: impaired reading skills, that is, dyslexia, difficulty with numbers – dyscalculia, dysgraphia – problems with writing, and ADHD. To say that it was difficult for her to study is to say nothing. The girl was bullied by her classmates, she was humiliated by her teachers. How many times has Phoebe heard in her address that she is a fool and that nothing will come of her, do not count. But, fortunately, Phoebe did not break all this. She achieved her dream: she became an art critic, received a university degree. And she wrote a letter to all those who offended her all these years. We decided to publish it, because this is the story of a real victory.
“An elementary school teacher who told my parents that they had to pick me up from school because other students were falling behind because of me. The teacher who told me, “You obviously don’t care about your education,” and made me cry in front of the whole class just because I mispronounced the words.
Parents who asked teachers not to put their children next to me in math because their child “will be dumb too.”
Education system, which assessed my knowledge at 49 points (in the Australian assessment system – the index of admission to universities. The maximum index – 100. – Ed.).
This post is for all of you.
I entered the Australian University of Technology. I studied for a bachelor’s degree. I had to go through an inspection to get to the university at all. In my last semester, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Regardless, I am proud to say that I graduated as one of the best students in my course. I am really proud of it.
Therefore, all of you people who have shamed me for not matching their image of the “ideal student”, come down to earth – we children with disabilities beat you on your own field, playing by our unique rules.
PS Thanks to my amazing friends, family and mentors who have always helped and supported me in everything. “
… We have plenty of dyslexic and ADHD children in this country too. We hope that Phoebe’s example will help them and their parents, who are forced to listen to reproaches against their child every day. Know – everything will be fine.