I am learning a little more now about how my learning disabilities play out and why I struggle mentally with certain issues. Through my understanding of those issues and with potential explanations matching my symptoms in this new book, I will hopefully have more clarity on what I deal with.

I deal with 'auditory perception difficulties,' which means I find it difficult to process explanations and directions. Where memory is essential for us to hold information long enough to make sense out of it, I struggle to hold information and this was particularly true in my formative years in school, based around school work and exams.  I continue to struggle with it now.

I also struggle with sequencing. Once I have been given an explanation, I have problems holding on to that explanation, sequencing the explanation I've been given and relaying it back in the right order. The more complex the explanation the more obvious it becomes. This quite often leads to frustration and confusion, with some intolerance coming from those close to me.

As part of Environmental Studies in school we had to take an article from a newspaper and then précis the information back in order, so the class understood the article. Because there was little to no preparatory work before class, I used to dread it being my turn, because I would struggle to articulate my words.

I’d still be living in my own little world, if it weren’t for me learning how to use my intuition that acts as my guide. But it doesn't always help with auditory perception issues.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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