Disability Services

Psycho-Academic "Syndromes" of College Students with Learning Disabilities

Fresh Start Syndrome:
"My learning disability is all behind me.  I don't have to deal with it anymore.  No one needs to know about it."

• Denies Learning Disability
• Does not seek help.

I'm No Different Syndrome:
"I can compete on the same terms.  I can take just as many units and engage in just as much extra-curricular activity as any other student."

• Take too many units.
• Spends too much time participating in social functions.
• Is employed too many hours per week.

Bail Out Syndrome:
"There's just too much to do.  I can't do it.  I've got to get out."

• Drops into a cycle of learned helplessness.
• Stops doing academic work.
• Stops going to classes, but does not officially withdraw from them.

Everything is O.K. Syndrome:
"I'm doing fine in all my classes.  I'm not having any problems at all."

• Reports are inaccurate.
• Does not want to admit that he/she is having difficulty.

Bail Me Out Syndrome:
"I really got myself into trouble.  I need you to get me out."

• Requests that the Disability Services Office contacts professors and gets them out of their mess.
• Usually waits until the last few weeks of the semester.

Change My Grade Syndrome:
"I'm not worried, I can get the instructor to change my grade."

• Has developed strategies for convincing professors that they deserve a better grade.

They Don't Understand Syndrome:
"It's not my fault.  The professor just doesn't understand."

• Blames instructor for difficulties in class.
• Does not accept responsibility.

I Can't Do It Myself Syndrome:
"I can't do it.  Can you or someone else do it for me?"

• Overly dependent on others.
• Attempts to get others to do the work for them.