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Pain? P A I N? PAIN!PAIN!PAIN!PAIN?
by MistyMagic
Last post
6 hours ago
...See more February brings the start of the Disability Support Community focus on Pain! We all get pain. Some of us get pain sometimes. Some of us get pain most of the time. Some of us get pain all of the time! So whatever your thoughts on pain, or level of daily pain, or threshold of pain (and we will talk more about that later on) read on and let's find out more about pain together! This will be part of the 'Pain Cafe' series that will include open chats in the 'Disability Support' [https://www.7cups.com/chat/?c=2_b0dd39dc0ad3f07akKj6u2oym2BA4i8pC6eGFA] room, as well as hosted discussions (hosts wanted! message me!) [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic] that will be advertised in this thread so please reply if you want to be tagged about future posts, and discussions in this series. The 'Pain Cafe’ is somewhere informal that is a safe space for us to learn and share together. We can come together and have a coffee, tea, or juice, and choose our favourite cake or cookie too! With the bonus of no calories or crumbs! First let's spend a little time discussing “What Is Pain?” Pain is weird, right? It’s both a physical and emotional experience, sometimes sharp and immediate, other times dull and lingering. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right,” whether that’s a stubbed toe, a heartbreak, or even stress manifesting as a headache. But pain isn’t just about suffering—it’s also a teacher. It tells you where your limits are, forces you to pay attention, and even helps you grow. Ever notice how people who’ve been through tough times often have a deeper sense of empathy? Pain shapes you, for better or worse. And then there’s the strange part—how pain can sometimes be subjective. Two people can experience the same injury but react completely differently. Some folks push through insane amounts of pain (think athletes or soldiers), while others feel every tiny discomfort intensely. It’s all about perception, past experiences, and even brain chemistry. Oh, and let’s not forget the bizarre cases where pain doesn’t work the way it’s “supposed to.” Like phantom limb pain - when someone loses a limb but still feels sensations where it used to be. Or chronic pain, which can be where your body keeps sounding the alarm even when there’s no real injury. Or chronic pain, long-term pain from constant re-injury or inflammation. At the end of the day, pain is just part of being human. It sucks, sure, but it also reminds us we’re alive. If pain is a warning signal, listen to it and allow healing. If pain is chronic or misleading, it can be important to retrain the brain and nervous system to stop overreacting. Learning to recognize the difference allows for better pain management and quality of life. Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that signals potential or actual harm to the body. It’s essentially the body's warning system, alerting you to injury, illness, or danger. Pain can be categorized in different ways, such as: * Acute pain – Short-term, typically caused by injury or illness (e.g., a cut, burn, or broken bone). * Chronic pain – Long-lasting pain (lasting more than three months) that can sometimes persist even after the initial injury has healed (e.g., arthritis, nerve damage). * Neuropathic pain – Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction rather than an obvious physical injury (e.g., sciatica, phantom limb pain). How Does the Brain Perceive Pain? The perception of pain involves a complex process that includes sensory input, nerve signaling, and brain interpretation. Here’s how it works: * Detection (Nociception): Specialized nerve endings called nociceptors detect harmful stimuli (heat, pressure, chemicals, or injury). These receptors are located in the skin, muscles, joints, and organs. * Transmission: The nociceptors send electrical signals through sensory neurons to the spinal cord. From there, the signals travel up to the brainstem and thalamus, which act as relay centres. * Processing in the Brain: The thalamus sends the pain signals to different brain regions: * Somatosensory Cortex: Determines the location and intensity of pain. * Limbic System: Processes the emotional aspects of pain. * Prefrontal Cortex: Helps with decision-making and how to react to the pain. Pain Perception: Your brain interprets the signals as pain and decides how to respond—whether to move away, seek help, or endure it (we all know that feeling don't we?) Modulation: The brain can amplify or suppress pain using neurotransmitters like endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin. This explains why adrenaline can make you temporarily "ignore" pain in emergencies. Why Does Pain Feel Different for Everyone? Pain perception varies based on: * Genetics & Biology (Some people have a higher pain threshold). * Psychological State (Stress and anxiety can heighten pain). * Past Experiences (Chronic pain sufferers often have altered nerve responses). Pain isn’t just a physical sensation—it’s also influenced by mood, expectations, and memory. This is why two people can have the same injury but experience pain differently. Over to you! Q. What do you think— is pain a necessary evil, a friend, or just a glitch in evolution? Q. Do you have pain? How would you describe it? Sharp, Hot? Stabbing? Dull? Share with us. Q. Tag someone that you think might be interested in joining in with our 'Pain Cafe' and the series of forum posts here too!
MistyMagic profile picture
Boom! or Bust! All about pacing . . .
by MistyMagic
Last post
6 hours ago
...See more This post is part of our new series on  ⚡P A I N !💥 All About. . . Boom!⬆️ Bust 🔽 and Pacing 🟰 The concept of "boom-bust" and “pacing” particularly in the context of disabilities, refers to a pattern of energy expenditure characterized by alternating periods of high activity or productivity ("boom") and subsequent periods of low energy, exhaustion, or rest ("bust"). This approach is often employed by individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or conditions that cause fluctuations in energy levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or certain types of disabilities affecting energy levels. How often have you started out at the beginning of an activity or project full of energy (Boom) racing along only to begin feeling tired, but still you carry on because you don’t want to stop, or you just want to finish what you are doing, and then the next day you are so very tired and in pain or exhausted and cannot do anything (Busted) and the recovery takes a few days or even longer? Here's a breakdown of the “boom-bust” and “pacing” approach and its implications for individuals with disabilities: Understanding Energy Levels: Boom-bust pacing recognizes that individuals with disabilities often have limited energy reserves, which can fluctuate from day to day or even within the same day. It emphasizes the importance of being attuned to one's own energy levels and learning to manage them effectively. Managing Activities: Rather than trying to maintain a constant level of activity throughout the day, boom-bust pacing involves identifying periods of higher energy (boom) and using them for more demanding tasks or activities, while conserving energy during periods of lower energy (bust) through rest or less demanding activities. Prioritizing Tasks: Individuals practicing boom-bust pacing often prioritize tasks based on their energy levels. Important or demanding tasks are tackled during periods of higher energy, while less critical tasks may be deferred to periods of lower energy. Ask yourself these questions and think about your answers, then jot them down so that you have a list of your priorities, you can add them in your reply to this post. * What is important? - read all the points below before deciding! * What MUST I do? * What do I want to do? * What do others want me to do? * What am I expected to do? (may include deadlines) * What can I do? Avoiding Overexertion: By pacing activities and balancing periods of activity with rest, individuals can reduce the risk of overexertion, which can exacerbate symptoms or lead to "crashes" where energy levels plummet (bust), sometimes for an extended period as the recovery needed after a “boom” can be extensive and disproportionate to the gain. Examples:  You may want to finish weeding a flower border and do it all in one afternoon, the flower border looks great but you end up exhausted in bed for 3 days. If you had spread it over 2 afternoons then you would not end up exhausted. You have an important exam next week, so you stay up all night studying. The next day you cannot get out of bed because of the body aches and exhaustion. If you had split the studying into short periods then you would not have crashed so badly and could have revised for a few hours every day.  Remember to STOP BEFORE the pain is too bad or STOP BEFORE you feel exhausted, that way the rebound to recovery is faster, and smoother, and repeatable. Take a look at https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/ [https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/]  splitting studying or any task into shorter periods. The original technique has six steps: * Decide on the task to be done. * Set the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes). * Work on the task. * End work when the timer rings and take a short break (typically 5–10 minutes). * Go back to Step 2 and repeat until you complete four pomodoros. * After four pomodoros are done, take a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) instead of a short break. Once the long break is finished, return to step 2. ( a pomodoro is an interval of work time). Also the Spoon Theory [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/SpooniesandDropitlikeitsPOTSshirts_20186/] 🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 and Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/BoomorBustAllaboutpacing_327034/] Flexibility and Adaptability: Boom-bust pacing requires flexibility and adaptability, as energy levels can vary unpredictably. It's important for individuals to listen to their bodies, adjust their plans as needed, and never feel guilty for needing to rest or modify their activities. Communication and Advocacy: In work or social settings, it's essential for individuals practicing boom-bust pacing to communicate their needs effectively and advocate for accommodations or adjustments when necessary. This might involve explaining their pacing approach to employers, colleagues, or friends and asking for understanding and support. Self-Care and Wellness: Boom-bust pacing is ultimately about self-care and managing one's health effectively. It involves not only managing physical energy but also attending to emotional and mental well-being, recognizing the importance of rest, relaxation, and activities that bring satisfaction, happiness, and joy. Overall, boom-bust pacing can be a valuable strategy for anyone, but more so for individuals with disabilities to manage their energy levels and navigate daily life more effectively. By learning to listen to their bodies, prioritize tasks, balance activity with rest ie: pacing themselves, individuals can optimize their functioning and improve their quality of life despite the challenges posed by their disabilities. Chronic Pain Resources  Here Living with Chronic pain Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/] More on Pacing Here [https://www.cfsselfhelp.org/library/pacing-numbers-using-your-heart-rate-to-stay-inside-energy-envelope] Q [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/]uestions to ask yourself, please reply below! * Do you recognize yourself as a ‘boom-bust’ or ‘pacing’ individual? * Have you ever used this method? If you haven’t will you try it in the future? If not why not? If you do does it help? * Can you remember one time when you carried on when you should have stopped and rested? What happened? * Do you have tips to share with us, please do! Consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/JoinTheDisabilitySupportCommunityTeam_325009/] Tag list @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @NovaIsNB @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @wishfulWillow6962 @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @Xisle @Zed786 Add or Remove yourself in this thread HERE [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/WeeklyCheckin_1053/2024TaglistDisabilitySupport_202464/] See more on pain here Pain Cafe Serie [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/PainPAINPAINPAINPAINPAIN_345746/]s 
CaringBrit profile picture
2024 - Taglist Disability Support
by CaringBrit
Last post
2 days ago
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating tag list. To see the current list, go to Disability Support [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?3ec913e645043cdcd31f94a3324ab37c]. To add yourself to this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words Please add me. To remove yourself from this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words, Please remove me. This Taglist will be used for the Daily Check-Ins could even be used for Events etc. What happens after you join the tag list? You will notice an icon for a little bell up in the right corner of your screen. there is a letter icon, then the bell, then a jar, and then the icon for your account. That bell will tell you about your notifications. When we tag you, it will show up as a number on the bell. Click on the bell and a drop-down menu will appear and it will show you the link to the post where we tagged you. Current taglist as at  Feb 1st 2025 @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @cal1860 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @communicativePond1728 @CompassionateMoon4024 @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enigmaticOcean8813 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @greekcatperson @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @JustLikeMellie @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @nessdamess @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @Ofenkartoffel @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @reservedOwl6476 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SereneEnergy9119 @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @xxParkerxx @Zed786 Updated by MistyMagic
unassumingPeach6421 profile picture
Mentally ill people & people with learning disabilities. When did you realize you were "different"?
by unassumingPeach6421
Last post
December 2nd, 2024
...See more I wanted to post this thread because I saw a reddit thread with this title and I was reading what people had to say. A lot of it was really powerful stuff. A lot of discouraged people, confused and unsure of how to grow up in a world that feels so unfamiliar and even unwelcoming to them. I have to admit I fell into this category and it felt healing to hear the extremes. I always said I was a dramatic child but I believe I was minimizing my story. I can't think of anything I hate more than people who pity me. Too often I try to be an activist and I'm met with condescending "it's okay honey" or "poor dear." But I don't hold grudges about people who were never taught how to understand someone like me. I find that to be the most ironic thing. People with mental disabilities for hundreds of years were labeled ignorant. But I believe the real ignorance is all the people that never tried to understand them. The real ignorance is misinformation. I also have fallen prey to one upping others. Like "you have 3 disorders? I have 4!" I don't want that. I wanted to list my disorders here because they are going to follow me for the rest of my life and sometimes I just need to share all these crazy things on my mind so I can feel lighter. My disabilities make me human and I refuse to hide the most human parts of myself (even with all the jerks out there).  I have: A specific reading disorder Alexythimia  Interroception Issues Autism Low memory IQ Sensory Processing Disorder ADHD Combined Type Expressive Language Disorder Auditory Processing Disorder Minor Dyspraxia Seasonal Depression Anxiety I'm not perfect and even if I had no diagnosis that statement wouldn't change. I've been through after school programs, failing classes interventions, IEPs, hours of tutoring, sleepless nights, accusations and interrogations. I've felt isolated from people with my disabilities, I've felt alone surrounded by able bodied people, I've come in dead last many times, and embarrassed myself more times than I could count. It hasn't been easy. I've felt less deserving in my relationships. Buzzfeed said I was a creative that lacked confidence and they were right. I've been told I had a confidence issue by everyone that cared.  I didn't make it this far to only make it this far. Even now that I'm coming undone by all my poor choices and executive dysfunction tearing at my seams. I wouldn't say this is incredibly uplifting I just want to say that I see me. And for anyone else struggling with their mind I see you too. You've come further than most people can even imagine. It's beautiful to accomplish even small things regardless of however much help it took to get there. I don't care as much what people think of me and it makes it easier for me to love myself but sometimes I like going back and remembering the past to realize how far I've come. All I've experienced gained and lost. Somehow I'm still grateful to keep living.  A YouTuber I like said, "stop trying to make it easy some things are going to be hard depending on your circumstance it might be harder than other people’s circumstances. If you wait for everything to be easy first you’re most likely not going to do anything. Do hard things because you can." I am trying to do all this work that I put off and I came on here because I had my doubts. I also went to the reddit thread because I was wondering, is it this hard for anyone else? And the answer was yes. Their stories are so close to my own. But I didn't seek out people like me to reason my problems away, I found this information to give me strength. Yeah this is all hard, I get it. But it's my life I can't give up on it. 
Heartsandrosesandpaws profile picture
What is the difference between Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability, and IDD?
by Heartsandrosesandpaws
Last post
October 26th, 2024
...See more  People. May often  what is difference between intellectual disability AND  developmental disability?  Developmental Disability is disabilities that start before  18 years old .   These   Kinds of disabilities can include limitations in cognition, motor performance, vision, hearing and speech, or behavior.  Some examples of these types of disabilities are ADHD, Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, spina bifida, fetal alcohol syndrome , Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders .       Intellectual disabilities is  characterized by mental limitations and difficulty with adaptive behaviors. Part of this means lower than normal  having a harder time doing daily  living tasks.  Some examples of syndromes that may result in intellectual disabilities are Down syndrome, fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.  I hope this  help explain the difference between those  two types of disabilities.
MistyMagic profile picture
The 7 types of learning disabilities
by MistyMagic
Last post
October 20th, 2024
...See more I was asked about this topic so thought I would do a little research to see what I could find:- Learning disabilities are neurological conditions that affect a person's ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. These difficulties are specific and impact particular areas of learning, despite average or above-average intelligence. There are seven primary types of learning disabilities, each affecting different cognitive functions. 1. Dyslexia * Explanation: Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that primarily affects reading. People with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluency, decoding words, spelling, writing, and comprehension, despite normal intelligence. It is one of the most common learning disabilities. * Signs: Difficulty with phonemic awareness, problems recognizing common words, slow reading speed, and trouble with reading comprehension. * Help: Early intervention, phonics-based teaching methods, assistive technology (like audiobooks), and one-on-one tutoring can be beneficial. Source: Dyslexia Help - International Dyslexia Association [https://dyslexiaida.org/] 2. Dysgraphia * Explanation: Dysgraphia affects writing abilities. It is not just about poor handwriting but also involves difficulty with spelling, organizing ideas, grammar, and the physical act of writing. It impacts both visual-motor coordination and linguistic skills. * Signs: Illegible handwriting, inconsistent spacing, difficulty with grammar, poor sentence structure, and trouble organizing thoughts on paper. * Help: Occupational therapy, assistive technology (such as typing software or speech-to-text tools), and structured writing exercises can help improve writing abilities. Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - Dysgraphia [https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?q=National+Center+for+Learning+Disabilities+(NCLD)+-+Dysgraphia&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart] 3. Dyscalculia * Explanation: Dyscalculia affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts. It can result in difficulty with basic arithmetic, understanding time, recognizing patterns, and comprehending math symbols. * Signs: Trouble with simple calculations, difficulty understanding time, poor number sense, difficulty with money management, and trouble memorizing math facts. * Help: Visual aids, math tutoring, using concrete objects (like counters) to demonstrate concepts, and math-related games can help enhance learning. Source: LD Online - Dyscalculia [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082241/] 4. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) * Explanation: APD affects how the brain processes auditory information. It is not related to hearing loss but rather to the brain’s ability to process sounds. Children with APD may struggle to understand spoken language, especially in noisy environments. * Signs: Difficulty following verbal instructions, trouble distinguishing between similar sounds, frequently asking for repetition, and difficulty in noisy settings. * Help: Using visual aids, minimizing background noise, and providing written instructions along with verbal ones can help support students with APD. Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - Auditory Processing Disorder [https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2023_AJA-23-00035] 5. Language Processing Disorder (LPD) * Explanation: LPD is a subtype of APD, but it specifically affects the processing of language. It can interfere with understanding and expressing both spoken and written language. This disorder affects both receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (speaking or writing). * Signs: Difficulty in understanding complex sentences, trouble expressing thoughts verbally, frequently misinterpreting questions or instructions, and limited vocabulary. * Help: Speech-language therapy, using visual prompts, and breaking down information into simpler parts can be beneficial. Source: LD Resources - Language Processing Disorder [https://www.ldresources.org/] 6. Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD) * Explanation: NVLD affects the ability to interpret non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Individuals with NVLD often have strong verbal skills but struggle with tasks that require visual-spatial understanding or motor coordination. * Signs: Poor visual-spatial skills, difficulty with coordination, trouble understanding abstract concepts, and poor social skills. * Help: Social skills training, occupational therapy, and strategies to improve visual-spatial skills can assist those with NVLD. Source: Child Mind Institute - Non-Verbal Learning Disorder [https://childmind.org/article/what-is-non-verbal-learning-disorder/] 7. Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) * Explanation: VPD affects how the brain processes visual information. This disorder can impact reading, writing, math, and the ability to understand charts or graphs. People with VPD may have difficulty interpreting visual cues such as shapes, letters, and spacing. * Signs: Difficulty distinguishing between similar-looking letters, trouble tracking lines while reading, difficulty with puzzles, and poor hand-eye coordination. * Help: Occupational therapy, using large-print materials, and breaking down visual tasks into smaller, manageable steps can be useful. Source: Understood.org - Visual Processing Disorder [http://understood.org] ------------------------- General Strategies for Helping with Learning Disabilities: * Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored plans that provide special education services and accommodations in school settings. * Assistive Technology: Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and voice recognition can aid in learning. * Structured Teaching: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps, using visuals, and offering hands-on learning can enhance understanding. * Regular Assessment and Support: Frequent monitoring and providing personalized support are essential for ensuring progress. Each of these learning disabilities requires specific interventions and accommodations tailored to the individual. Identifying learning disabilities early, through thorough assessments by specialists such as psychologists or educational professionals, can make a significant difference in a student's educational experience.
Nemo2023 profile picture
Learning disability
by Nemo2023
Last post
August 6th, 2024
...See more People treat me differently because of my disability
theboymoana profile picture
Bad time in chatroom
by theboymoana
Last post
July 26th, 2024
...See more Am I only one have very bad time in chat rooms sometimes ? All the time I get people say things like speak English and don’t understand I am saying and say then learn about things I can’t just go learn. People get mad at me not understanding things or people are mean if I say can’t do something. i am tell before I am burden to my family because don’t think will have job when I grow up because my disabilities even though family say will always take care me is maybe people always think is all disable people can have job or something? i have rare syndrome, intellectual disability profound deafness, epilepsy learning disabilities, nonverbal adhd ptsd autism anxiety and hands do not work very good I can’t write get dressed my own use computer need help in bathroom and shower. people act like because can use cups is nothing wrong and ignore I try to say how hard I work to use cups and how is VERY big deal can read and write my mommy teach me and from when my parents take me out of school when I am 9 until now I am 13 is very hard work learning read and write on phone and iPad with lot of help autocorrect. Is very hard to because first language is sign language and very confusing sometimes to make my brain know how to say signs in English words people do not know how much work is to me be here and I am proud of me a lot !!! But I get very sad how chat rooms is not inclusive sometimes. Is lot lot really good people I like a lot see in them but still doesn’t make me forget all mean things other people say to me i don’t understand why is ok to be mean to some one for things cant help.disabled people all are different and we deserve to have chat rooms to go talk to people to :(
FrenchMarbles profile picture
WalkerSnail & Moana Space
by FrenchMarbles
Last post
January 8th, 2024
...See more This forum is for @Walker7957 and @theboymoana to talk to each other. If you have any problems let @FrenchMarbles know.
Bonnes profile picture
Dyslexia
by Bonnes
Last post
December 25th, 2023
...See more Hi, I just wanted to know if anybody else has dyslexia and how you are dealing with it. I have a type of dyslexia were my two brain halfs don t interact with eachother as theys should. In "normal" brains the two halfes communicate a lot with eachother and therefor "combine" different parts of the brain when, for example learning, while my brain halfs could be called asocial, because they just don t share information. That results in me not having as many problems reading (although it took me way longer to learn as normal people) as other people with dyslexia, but I have major problems with spelling, numbers and simply learning things. Vocabs are the worst, I recognise the word, know I ve heard it many times before and also it s translation/meaning, but the other part of my brain, which stores these kinds of things, dosen t feel like sharing, or maybe never got the information because when I studied the forst half of my brain didn t pass on the information. I ve been trying to learn where left and right is for the past 18 years and still get in wrong a lot. It s ridiculous. Numbers are my worst enemies. I always mix them up and say 45 instead of 54 or something, 36 instead of 63. Also my brain just can t comprehand when there is the same number in a row, like 00000 or something, to tell you if there are 4, 5 or 6 zeros in this row, I d need to tick off or cross out the zeros I counted already. Remembering numbers is pretty much impossible. It took me 5 years the learn my phone number and I still don t know my parents phone number or anything. Everythings just really frustrating, especially when it comes to studying something and I often reach the point were I just want to give up on it all together because wheres the point? There is a high chance of me beeing incapeable of remembering it anyway. So I just wanted to ask if there are people with the same/a similar problem and how they get over this frustration or have any tricks to on how to study?
unassumingPeach6421 profile picture
Mental health and disability
by unassumingPeach6421
Last post
December 20th, 2023
...See more I have disabilities and I put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. This has been so hard, I have been so scared to try. I'm 22 and I haven't gotten far in life at all. I've wasted years trying to get into an architecture program. I still want to go for it, I guess I'm just nervous. I really want to do a better job and be kind to myself. I hope I can move forward positively. I'm going to make it and be okay. I hope everyone stays safe and keeps trying, you're worth it and you don't have to be perfect. What you have and who you are is beautiful!
Elylouise profile picture
Accepting my disabilities
by Elylouise
Last post
December 13th, 2023
...See more Hello, I am new to this group having just been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD and language disorder. I am having a rough time accepting my new diagnosis, especially my language disorder as my intelligence was kind of forced down my throat as a child so once i started showing signs of difficulties with learning it caused some trauma and made/makes me question my intelligence. I am also just trying to acknowledge that I have always been disabled and no one noticed/cared enough to do anything about it. I thought joining this community might be helpful in my journey to acceptence and help me find ways to manage it better.
IndigoWhisper profile picture
Dyspraxia/DCD
by IndigoWhisper
Last post
December 10th, 2023
...See more Dyspraxia is estimated to be quite common yet almost no one in the USA has heard of it. In fact Developmental Coordination Disorder (the name recently adopted in the USA) is just that recently adopted. This condition is life long yet there is little support or identification of kids amd even less for adults. Some kids grow out of it- most manage to mask the coordibation issues that are most obvious in childhood but continue to struggle in different ways as adults. Adulting is just hard for us we struggle with things that most people find easy yet we don't look obviously disabled so people don't recognize how nervous we are and how hard we are working to not be a walking disaster all the time - because our coordination is still really really bad and we are still really clumsy and awkward and perpetual screw ups in many areas we just learned how to somewhat compensate. We still spill, lose, knockover, drop stuff a lot, we put way to much effort in to look kinda normal, we still probably have awful handwriting, we still get lost a lot more then most. We just worked so hard learning to compensate and cover it up that it's not so obvious anymore so we can pass. Having highly traumatic childhoods are sadly common for those with undiagnosed/unsupported Dyspraxia. And they leave a mark. Many of us come out of child hood with huge self-esteem issues, imposter syndrome, mental health issues - we struggle, we drift through life, we rarely reach our potential. We are thrown away. We just don't have the tools or foundation to succeed because the only thing we learned was how to pass and hate ourselves - the world is always beating is up so it's just how it is right?. DCD is not a new condition it has just had a lot of names, some of them very hurtful. It is common for those with Dyspraxia to also have leanings or outright diagnosis with other forms of neurodiversity. Some of Dyslexia, most have *either* ADHD or Autism some have both. Dyspraxia has so little exposure in this country that I was told to just "take" an Autism spectrum label despite very very clearly not belonging on the Autism Spectrum unless it is seen to encompass someone who is in many ways the polar opposite of Autistic. Rather then having restricted interests I have an abundance, I neither require nor desire an over-regimented world. I make eye contact. I can be quite social although like many with dyspraxia I was bullied a lot and ran into social problems for Dyspraxia and ADHD related reasons rather then Autism ones. I fit on the ADHD side of thing the only thing I have in common with Autism is being Neurodiverse and that *some* with Dyspraxia do fit on the Autism spectrum. Dyspraxia can have diverse presentations also. It's cardinal signs in childhood are clumsiness, struggling with right and left, amounts of force to use, difficulty tying shoe laces, problems with handwriting, problems with coordination, spacial perception. Secondary mental health issues are common because we often have really bad childhoods, maybe we are also prone to it but the horrid experiences do not help. Some reasons we tend to have social difficulties as children - Difficulty regulating and recognizing how far away to stand, bumping into people, dropping stuff, seeming carelessness with other's belongings, , often bad at sports/last picked on the playground, difficulty with physical sequences, may have difficulty regulating volume of voice (to soft or two loud), *some* also have difficulties with speach itself, may have joint laxity/hypermobility/and or low muscle tone, poor sense of time, poor spacial perception, poor organizational skills, some have poor balance. Because we struggle with these things we may have poor fitness, no self confidence, few successes in life, we may be labelled with the R word (I was) for the early coordination problems and schools may refuse to educate as (happened to me). This is not an exhaustive list and again many of us also have either ADHD or Autistic overlap/cocurrance. Because of the misunderstandings and challenges of Dyspraxia we grow up bullied, misunderstood, frustrated, often friendless - we don't really get the opportunity for proper socialization and the foundation to be part of society properly. As teens and adults we are awkward, bad at "basic: stuff so why would anyone give us a chance to show them how we can shine and how capable we actually are - many of us don't even know. Many of us are actually very smart and capable but the things we are good at are just nonsensical to society and we learn differently. With support and understanding we are wonderful capable people but by the time we reach adulthood those who don't get support have no foundations and are covered in psychological scars.
blissfulTouch29 profile picture
questions
by blissfulTouch29
Last post
August 17th, 2023
...See more Hi, everyone How are you guys doing today? Below I have some thinking questions for you guys. If you feel comfortable you can explain more but if not that's okay and I will answer the questions after. 1. When did you find out you had a disability? 2. Who made you feel like you are like everyone else or made you feel safe? 3. When do you notice your disability? 4. What were your struggles in school? If you have any questions for me please comment them below.
blissfulTouch29 profile picture
My story
by blissfulTouch29
Last post
August 11th, 2023
...See more Hi, everyone. How is everyone doing today? I am going to share my story about my learning disability and being vision impaired so please bear with me and if you have any questions please put them in the comments below. I will first talk about my vision impairment and then I will talk about my learning disability. When I was in elementary school I started vision therapy roughly around third grade I believe. My vision therapist was amazing and her name was Mrs. Dawn. She would push into my classes like in my resource room when I was in third grade so I didn't have to miss anything and she made me feel like she cared and explained what we were doing and stuff like that. She came with me to middle school which was 7th and 8th grade. In 7th grade, I had Mrs. Dawn would come into my English class to do vision therapy so I never had to miss class. However, In 8th grade, I had a vision teacher named Ms. Pam and I didn't like her at all because she never came into my class to do therapy and I was also missing something important she would get mad at me when I was late to see her and one of the classes I was always missing was reading lab and it was getting so frustrating. Then 9th grade which was high school I needed vision therapy and I had Ms. Pam again but it was my check out so I didn't have to see her anymore. I know it sounds bad. Next is my learning disability I found out more that I had a learning disability in 9th grade because I was more aware but in 7th and 8th grade I was in spilt classes which meant that in some subjects I was in 15:1:1 classes and in some subjects I was in regular-sized classes. I also had extra time on tests and separate locations for tests and tests read. I had a band teacher in middle school who helped me a lot especially when I was bullied and frustrated with myself whether it was just being hard on myself or it was about the tests. I also started band late people thought I couldn't take band or Spanish because of my disability. 9th grade I was in 15:1:1 for my four major subjects and then band and Spanish were regular classes. 10th grade I was in spilt 15:1:1 for two subjects and regular for two subjects plus band and Spanish. Then 11th and 12th grade I was in all regular-sized classes for the four major subjects and band and Spanish were also regular. I had a lot of favorite teachers that pushed me when they needed to and encouraged me when they needed to and I still remember conversations that I had and I can go deeper if you want me to. Thank you for your time.

Welcome to the Disability Support Community!

This is an inclusive community where people can seek and provide support and post about topics related to learning disabilities, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and conditions, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. You are welcome to join in even if you don't used disabled as a label for yourself.

There are a number of ways to get involved and be supported. We have a pop up teen chatroom and a 24/7 adult chatroom.

There are guides for Chronic Pain and T2 Diabetes
There are Q&A sections for Disabilities and Chronic Pain

Members may connect with a listener who has disabilities, chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, adhd or autism listed as a topic and there are listeners with disabilities supporting people with disabilities

We encourage people to post new threads and respond to others in the forums! Some good ways to get started are to introduce yourself and to join our tag list to be notified of weekly check ins and events. We also have an Interview Series: if you would be open to sharing more about yourself and want to be interviewed.

Looking to be even more activity in the Disability Community? Join as a leader!

*Note we are inclusive of all disabilities but ADHD and Autism each of their own communities which may be of interest to some of you.

Community Guidelines

🌟 Please be respectful of everybody's thoughts and opinions.

🌟 Don't think you are alone, so please share

🌟 Please be patient if you feel like your concern hasn't been addressed yet; we are working hard to add more leaders and supporters.

🌟 If you have any concerns, reach out to a leader or make a post.

🌟 For Listeners only - please remember that you are here to give support, if you are seeking support then please switch to your Member account.

🌟 Most of all - don't forget to be awesome! You are loved and accepted here, no matter what!

Guidelines For Using AI 


We all want the Disability Support Community to be a safe place where people are able to be their authentic selves and receive support. We understand that AI tools can be helpful in reducing barriers, allowing people to better express themselves, and allowing those with some disabilities to be able to read, write, and post, but excessive, or complete use of AI can feel robotic and reduce supportive person-to-person interactions. It can also lead to false impressions of the poster. We want to try and avoid this and help our Community to be as inclusive and as welcoming as possible to all users.


What is AI?

AI is short for ‘artificial intelligence’ which is software, a program or algorithm that works to sort, order, and combine data to give a response or answer to a question or input. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer, software, or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. As yet no AI’s match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks.

Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include: 

  • ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it. 

  • Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another. 

  • Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history. 

  • Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.



If using AI tools please adhere to the following:


  • Include some of your own personal expression. This could come from a detailed, personal prompt to the AI tool or include some of your own words with a post.

  • Cite which AI tool(s) you used, which applies both to AI-generated and AI-edited text as well as images too. For instance, if you use Dragon to voice type then say so and if the text is AI-edited include that fact too.

  • Avoid posting misinformation. AI sometimes creates personalized anecdotes, facts, or references. If you are sharing an experience, don’t post an AI-fabricated one. If posting information check that it is correct and aligns with trustworthy sources.

  • Cite the source of your information. It can be important to know and understand the source of information posted, AI-generated content may draw information from their database so try and use factual sites that can be checked and that aren’t misleading.

  • Don’t make threads in excess. AI can make it fairly quick to create a lot of content. We want to give everyone’s posts a chance to be seen. Please don’t post a large amount of threads in a short period of time, this is called ‘flooding’ and can prevent other posts from being seen.

  • If you do feel like there’s a lot you want to state on one topic, consider making multiple posts within the same single thread. Or create your own ‘Disability Diary’ thread and post there, this will increase your visibility, and those who reply will be notified when you add another post.

  • Follow the guidelines. You are responsible for what is posted from your account, even if AI was used in the creation of the post, so please double-check what you write and post!


For more information please read this post by @Heather225 - 7 Cups Community Director.


Do’s ✅  and  ❌ Don’t List:


Do - Humanize your post with your own expression and words

Do - Cite the AI tool(s) you use

Do - Make ONE thread and post to it if there are several posts you want to make

Do- Read things over and ensure the guidelines are being followed

Don’t post something that is entirely AI-generated with little input from yourself

Don’t post misinformation

Don’t flood the forums with AI threads, or multiple threads


If in doubt please ask @MistyMagic  (Adults and Teens) or @AffyAvo (Adults) or consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here







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