Accepting our differences

[Progo35]

I often feel that what our society considers a learning disorder is really an issue of being able to learn material in a certain way that doesn't happen to be the accepted way. Muchof what "disability" entails is not bad, it is only a disability because society says so.

People with my learning disorder (specifically called nonverbal learning disorder, which can be researched by referring to a link I posted on my 'cut the crap' thread or by googling NVLD), tend to be more honest, frank, genuine, and innocent than the average person. It's not that we don't lie, ever, but for whatever reason, whether it is difficulty handling the nonverbal cues that indicate falsehood or if it is a literal intepretation of right and wrong, NVLD people tend to speak more frankly. While this can cause friction with social norms, I believe that all of these are good characteristics that are very difficult for most people to develop and nurture. For NVLD individuals, these things come naturally. People with NVLD are also highly intelligent writers, readers and thinkers, even if we may get our directions mixed up or have to think carefully when interpreting social cues. Since everyone has issues with something, I feel that the advantages and disadvantages conferred upon me by my intellect are quite natural within the context of human frailty. For whatever reason, our society is more accepting of people who lie than of people who can't tell right from left, but that really doesn't make my challenges any more extradinary than those of someone who comes from a broken home, or experiences discrimination because of having a different color skin, sexual orientation, etc.

In fact, I am proud of my "disability." I think it makes me unique and that God made me this way because I have certain jobs that he wants me to perform, including reaching out to others and helping to make the world a more accepting place for everyone by sharing my experiences. I hope I can do this with a sense of self respect and love.

Is there anything in your own life that might conventionally be considered a disadvantage but that actually impacts what you feel God is calling you to do?

[Gennee]

For me it was the feeling of being different. Until I discovered that I was transgender that feeling came into my conscience from time to time. Another thing is that I'm not an opinionated or outspoken person. At times it has been mistaken for indifference and aloofness. I do have opinions but I chose not to voice them because I like to think things out. I also like to get all the information before formulating an opinion.

I have always gravitated to things that are outside the norm. I have always found a kinship to those who aren't conventional. Even my family thinks I'm weird, but that's okay.

Gennee

[BrianB]

Originally Posted by Progo35

In fact, I am proud of my "disability." I think it makes me unique and that God made me this way because I have certain jobs that he wants me to perform, including reaching out to others and helping to make the world a more accepting place for everyone by sharing my experiences. I hope I can do this with a sense of self respect and love.

Is there anything in your own life that might conventionally be considered a disadvantage but that actually impacts what you feel God is calling you to do?

I was also born with a disability called Spina Bifida. It makes me uniquely qualified to reach out to certain people to show God's love. Being bisexual and christian also gives me a perspective that only a relative few share. I feel like I'm called to bring healing to people that are hurting. Sometimes I end up causing hurt...even on this board. I apologize for things I said that were hurtful. My ultimate goal is to bring healing.