Inspirational Message for NLD Adults

By Al Vadon

      I don't think that the problem with NLD adults is motivation.  I find that the NLD adults I know are very highly motivated.  It is incredible all that NLD adults have accomplished, despite their difficulties and struggles.  In terms of doing all the daily life activities, I just think that it takes us longer to do things that would be considered simple tasks to others, such as cleaning a room, packing a suitcase, or other activity that requires us to organize.  Even writing an e-mail probably takes me longer than the average person, due to my fine motor coordination difficulties and the fact that I have to organize what I have to say.  Just because daily activities take us longer does not mean we are less motivated than other individuals.

      In addition to organization, another difficulty that other I have, as well as many NLD individuals, is that I underestimate the amount of time it takes me to do something.  For example, I have an organizer book, Day Runner, and it really frustrates me because I often put more on the list than I can possibly do in one day, and I can't seem to estimate the time needed to do the task.  I had to learn from my neuropsychologist that is ok not to get around to everything on the list, and that I can do it another day.  I love the idea of possibly using the Palm device, as mentioned by an NLD friend of mine, to help me with organization.  She mentioned that she uses the device for organizing daily activities, keeping track of how she spends her money, and even accessing e-mail.

      I believe that NLD adults have to start living their lives by doing things we enjoy, in addition to our daily activities.  Some suggestions include reading, going to museums, or even a drive or a walk.  I love to read, and also love museums as well.  I also enjoy going to sporting events.  In addition, I love to e-mail and chat with the many wonderful individuals within the NLD community.  I would be alone without all of you.  My  neuropsychologist said that it is important to have a balanced life and to schedule activities that I enjoy doing.  When I was a speech-language pathology student, my entire focus was on getting that degree and being a speech-language pathologist.  I basically had very little of a social life, except for going to an occasional dinner or movie.  In my constant striving for a career, I would basically put social activities that I enjoy doing on hold, and even felt guilty when engaging in those activities because I believed that I needed to focus only on doing things that would result in a career.  Things like friends, such as the NLD adults I have gotten to know, and having enjoyable hobbies are just as important, as any career.

      One additional activity that I failed to mention that I enjoy is helping others.  I feel that this is something that other NLD adults can do because of their empathy for others.  Having empathy and caring for others is a trait I have found among the NLD adults I know.  I was a volunteer for the Literacy Volunteers of America, and it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.  Also, it is a way to possibly make a friend, in addition to helping the individual.  I think that NLD adults have great strengths that can be used to help others.  Overall, my advice to my fellow NLD adults is to start living your life, and doing what you enjoy.   Also, I would like to tell all of the NLD adults that you are all very special people in my eyes.