An Interview with Ryan

Ryan and I sat down for lunch the other day and we decided to conduct a short interview.  Ryan was all in, but you may notice that his answers are short.  Although he really wanted to share his personal thoughts, he is uncomfortable talking too much about himself.  Those who know him, may be surprised at this, since under normal circumstances, he is very talkative, especially about things he’s passionate about.  We hope that the following will give you a bit more insight about who Ryan is.

Me: When did you realize that you were different from other children?

R: When I was in the first grade, I noticed that I couldn’t pay attention very well. And I was also pulled out of class to spend time one on one with other teachers. So I wondered why? But it didn’t really bother me yet.

Me: How did you feel about being pulled out of class for speech therapy, occupational therapy and special Ed?

R: On the one hand I liked it and on the other, I didn’t. It helped a lot so that I could understand and comprehend what was going on in the classroom. Sometimes I was very apprehensive about going. In the long run, I just got used to it. No one in my class seemed to care one way or the other either. Sometimes, it’s hard to access these memories, and some memories I still don’t want to share.

Me: Do you remember when you had your EEG’s?

R: I do , but I don’t want to share those memories, it’s too painful.

Me: Do you ever feel like you’re alone?

R: Never

Me: Do you ever question, why me?

R: I used to. But that all changed when I started Boy Scouts. I’m proud that I’m different, even though I have to work harder than everyone else. I’m proud of who I am.

Me: What are your strengths?

R: (Laughs) I’m a good reader, I’m resilient, and I don’t give up.

Me: What are your weaknesses?

R: Test taking and procrastination, especially when things are hard.

Me: What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?

R: Becoming an Eagle Scout, my Bar Mitzvah, and getting my driver’s license. (Laughs)

Me: Do the meds you take help you?

R: The ones that I am on now do.

Me: What would be your best advice for kids with learning differences?

R: Don’t give up.

Find the people who can help you and use them to your advantage.

Accept who you are, that you are different

Me: Do you prefer the name difference vs disability?

R: Difference for sure. The word disability is a horrible derogatory word.

Me: Can you tell me what it’s like inside your brain?

R: (Laughs) It’s very busy. It’s running laps around me and I’m trying to chase it. And it’s always going faster than my speech.

Me: What is the most frustrating thing about being different?

R: Explaining to people how and why I’m different. They don’t understand and they don’t accept me.

Me: What would you like people to know about you?

R: That I’m a hard worker, but I work at my own pace. And that I’m a kind person and I really care about others.

Me: Do you ever feel like giving up?

R: Never

Me: What is your dream for yourself?

R: To succeed in the end and be happy.