Learning Differences: Seeing the World in a Different Way

I recently read an article in which founders of Kinko’s and Jet Blue, among others, were interviewed. Both of these executives have learning differences and described how difficult their school years had been. However, they both concluded that they would rather have a learning difference then not! Why? Because they thought that the learning difference helped them view the world in a different way. They were able to see what others missed.

 

Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko’s, noticed the lines of students paying 10 cents a page to use the copier in the library of his college, and thought he could provide the service for less. With a $5,000 loan, he opened the first Kinkos in a vacant hamburger stand near the college. Later, while in his store, he noticed that people wanted to use a computer and not just make copies. He saw the opportunity to expand his business, and became a resource for small businesses. He believes his learning differences help him live in the moment and capture opportunities others don’t see.

 

David Neeleman, founder of Jet Blue Airways, announced to the New York press that he would form a hometown low fare airline. Neither venture capitalists nor the press took him seriously. He not only established Jet Blue Airways, but by providing customer services that the larger airlines did not, he revolutionized the flying experience. He feels that his learning differences help him see complicated facts and distill them down to simple solutions. 

 

Both of these men had struggles in school, but are proud of their accomplishments. They encourage students with learning differences to keep trying and never give up!

 

While not all educational struggles are a result of learning differences, it is important that parents recognize signs and symptoms, including:

• Difficulty with sustaining focus
  
• Poor time management
  
• Reluctance to take on reading or writing tasks
  
• Struggle with memorization of numbers, and number signs
  
• Difficulty with multi-step sequences
  
• Impaired planning
  
• Difficulty with big projects
• Difficulty in concentrating

Identifying learning differences is not easy, even when symptoms seem obvious. Many people without learning differences experience some or all of these symptoms, and people with learning differences do not all act alike or have the same issues. Because of the wide variations in learning differences, there is no consistent profile; meaning learning differences cannot be diagnosed without extensive testing by a trained professional. 

 

Testing by a qualified professional will include tests for the student, history taking and observations. In some practices, a team of professionals coordinates services to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. 

 

If you have any questions regarding learning differences or testing for your child, please contact us. Through early diagnosis and intervention these students can develop skills to help them be successful throughout life. Remember learning differences do not have to limit your child’s opportunities, and with the proper treatment and support can open the doors to unlimited possibilities. 

 

Click here if you would like to read this article or read about others' experiences with learning differences.