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Summary
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A student earns strong grades but spends many hours on written assignments, repeatedly rereading questions and striving for perfection. They also struggle with spelling and anxiety and ask whether a learning difficulty could explain the extra effort.
The response acknowledges that careful work can support achievement while recognizing that the time burden and anxiety are distressing.
It says a learning difficulty is possible rather than confirmed and recommends discussing assessment with school counseling staff or a psychologist so any support addresses the actual source of the problem.
Question
Reader · Identity withheldHi,
\nI have always had a very hard time trying to concentrate on doing my homework. It takes me about 6 hours to do something that should take just 1 (not even exaggerating).
I get great marks in all my classes, I can zoom through math problems super quick, but when I have to write an essay or give complete answers for questions, it takes me way longer than it should.
\nFor answering questions in science, I have to read the question over and over again until I can be sure I haven’t missed anything. I feel that my work has to be perfect or else it’s just not good enough. I put more pressure on myself than anyone else does. I have always struggled with spelling but I have never been diagnosed with a learning disability.
\nI also suffer from anxiety (again I haven’t been diagnosed with anything). Is it possible that I might have a learning disability? Maybe it’s related to the anxiety? Is there anything I can do to help focus and get my work done quicker?
\nThanks, Cal
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Answer
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.It is interesting that something that can be viewed as a disorder under one set of circumstances can also be viewed as a good coping mechanism at other times. What I mean is that, unless I am mistaken, your perfectionism helps you achieve very high grades in school. In the study of science, this would be considered very good.
\nAt the same time, you find yourself spending more time at homework that you feel you should. I want to point out that the word, “should” also varies as to it’s meaning and that depends on the context.
If your career goals include work in the sciences, whether it’s medical or other, most people would tell you that you are not spending too much time. The field of science is very competitive and success depends on real academic achievement.
\nNevertheless, you are not comfortable with the time you are spending nor with your level of anxiety.
\nIt is entirely possible that you have a learning disability, especially in light of the many spelling errors in your email question. Don’t feel bad a out that because it’s merely a symptom. If you do indeed have a learning disability, it might account for your level of anxiety when doing school work and with the amount of time you spend studying.
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You have several options open to you: 1. You could go to the counselling department at your school and discuss your problem with them.
They will have you tested and make recommendations based on the results. 2. You could see a psychologist, discuss the problem and he will have you tested and referred for training to help you deal with the disability and the anxiety. 3. I know some people who went to the “Sylvan Learning Center”and see what they may have to offer.
\nMainly, you really have to get yourself diagnosed so that you know what you are dealing with and so that you can take the correct actions.
\nYou are a good student and the idea is to not let anything, such as a learning disorder or anxiety, interfere with that.
\nBest of Luck
Subject matter expert
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Integrative mental health care
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