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When I was born, I was in the hospital for 4 months (atresia choanae and fistula repair) and delayed in motor skills (speaking and writing).
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I started talking at age 3 and my motor skills were way more late than my two older brothers.
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My parents were worried about my delayed development in reading and writing but I was bearly speaking in complete sentences of the alphabet.
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When I was at age 6, starting 1st grade the doctors suggested that I have several surgeries. I was wearing hearing aids and glasses for the first time. Seeing and hearing better
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My parents took me to different specialists for my first 5 years of my life and they found out I had an ENT specialist called syndrome charged. CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, growth Retardation, Genital abnormalities, Ear abnormalities)
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In second grade turning 7 years old, my progress was not enough to reach academic goals because I was diagnosed with a learning disability that affects my speech and hearing impediment and had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
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I started getting support from a Special Education Teacher, Audition specialist, Speech Specialist and help from outside of school to achieve my dream. Also, numerous doctors as well to have a normal life for me by being a successful student in school.
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At age 11, my motor skills improved so much to be included in the classrooms at school with accommodation of extended time for tests/quizzes and needed extra help with projects/assignments. Moreover, interpreting or understanding common sense and comprehension was difficult for me to learn.
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In my high school years, 14-18 years old, it was still a challenge for me but got a lot of friends and teachers helping me out find an easier path to graduate by working hard.
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I reach my goal in going to college at Howard Community College and following my dream to become a PE/Adaptive Teacher. I am on my second year and four-semester. My language development expanded so much by speaking clearly with others and sharing others about my disability.
