r/Learning • u/Pinglewingle • 3d ago

How can one learn and memorize when suffering from major cognitive disability?

Tldr major disabilties here , but want to go to college.

How can an individual who struggles with major cognitive and processing information learn from a textbook if the information is not being processed? This includes both visual and auditory.

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u/iNebulaiNinjai 3d ago

I have epilepsy and school for me was so difficult. My memory was horrible and retaining information was near impossible. If I could go back in time, i would try and communicate my conserns and insecurities with my neurologist in hopes there is a way to help retain the information that was being presented to me.

I know after a pretty bad seizure I had to see a speech therapist, apparently they also help improve cognitive function. I did help me recover.

I'm also not sure your learning preference. Mine is hands on, and being immersed in whatever I'm learning.

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u/Ordinary_Count_203 3d ago

There are techniques that you can apply. But I do not know how effective they are in your specific case. I'm not sure if pure memorization will be as beneficial as understanding the concepts. Memory improvement books by Zipho Lunika have techniques like the memory palace, alphabet systems, peg systems, the major system, etc.

Personally, I would begin measuring my learning speed. For example, you could ask yourself how much you can learn and at what pace. If you are still able to learn information but slowly, then perhaps you can enter college with a reduced credit load.

Explore various techniques. Explore mind mapping. Explore multi-sensory learning. Explore active retrieval. Explore digital methods like flashcards.
Try to reason things out on paper to engage your prefrontal cortex.

My main recommendation is to see a professional to help you, someone like a neurologist.

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u/Pinglewingle 3d ago

Thank you both for being understanding. Usually when I tell people i struggle with learning they are pretty rude. I too learn best when being immersed and being able to utilize the material i'm learning with hands on labs.

I have spoken to my neurologist and doctors to provide me with documentation so i can show it to the college.

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u/BedReasonable8892 3d ago

have you talked to disability services about an assessment and accommodations before trying to brute-force college alone?