Part 2: How talking makes a difference
Create Connection and Awareness
Talking about learning disabilities does more than raise awareness. It creates a connection. When one person shares their story, it permits others to share theirs. It opens the door to understanding, empathy, and advocacy.
This is something that we often share with clients and potential clients. As the clinic director, I am very open about my learning disabilities and ADHD struggles and how diagnosis and treatment helped me to overcome them and find my joys and my success. Many of our staff also have learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Sharing their experiences typically eases the fears and anxieties of our clients and their loved ones. They are coming to a space that understands firsthand what they are experiencing. There is nothing to fear here.
Hearing that a classmate, teacher, or even a celebrity they admire also has a learning disability can be incredibly empowering for students. It normalizes the experience and helps reduce feelings of isolation or shame. For adults, being open about their learning differences can foster inclusion in the workplace and help challenge long-standing biases about intelligence and competence.
For my potential coaching clients, I offer 30-minute free intake calls. Recently, I had a parent ask me not to use the term ADHD or ADD with their child, as they had not disclosed the diagnosis to them. I understand the reluctance to share this information. However, I had to explain that I could not coach their child without using the terms. One of the best ways that I create a connection with my clients is to tell them that I have ADHD too. So many of my young clients, and even older ones, feel seen and heard when I share my diagnosis with them. As clients tell me about their experiences, unfortunately, I sometimes laugh. Not at them, at me! I have done or experienced so many of the same things they do. My familiarity with their struggles is one of the best connectors and motivators that I use in my coaching. If I can overcome it, they certainly can!
When we feel seen and understood, our anxieties decrease, while our self-esteem increases. Fostering an environment of understanding, inclusion, and connection creates better outcomes for everyone.
Next Month in Part 3: Create A Culture of Openness.
