What is a Disability and Denial

[00:00:00] Nick Carpenter: [upbeat music plays in background] Disability and denial. Today we want to talk about disability and denial. A lot of times, individuals will place too much emphasis on their disability and not the struggles having a disability causes in everyday life.

[00:00:16] Definitions. Disability, a physical or mental disorder that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to walk, see, hear, speak, learn, or do other important things. Some disabilities are permanent or last forever. Others are temporary or last only for a short time.

[00:00:34] Diagnosis. A doctor can use a diagnosis to learn how to best help someone. A diagnosis is the final decision after carefully studying signs and symptoms of disease, illness, or disorder. A diagnosis is a way for a doctor to learn how to help someone.

[00:00:50] Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because of a disability or disorder.

[00:00:58] If you have a diagnosis, [00:01:00] be it from a professional or otherwise, you now know where to start working on your strengths and challenges you may face.

[00:01:10] Just because three people may have the same disability does not mean they will all face the same challenges. The first step is to figure out ways to help overcome any challenges the individual may have. Medicine or no medicine, therapy or no therapy. Or a combination of both.

[00:01:33] Challenges? Challenge accepted.

[00:01:43] I have autism. This affected my speech and fine motor skills like holding a pencil. Through hard work, speech, and occupational therapy, I was not only able to overcome these challenges, but I’m now really great at public speaking and running meetings. [00:02:00]

[00:02:00] Focus on your strengths. For some, this may be physical. While for others it could be electronics, reading, writing, math, public speaking, or so many other things that we use in everyday life.

[00:02:13] Learn your weaknesses and ways to cope. For some, this may be finding different accommodations or modifications to help. For others, it may be taking a walk, playing with a pet, or just talking it out with someone you trust.

[00:02:36] Denial happens when you can’t figure out ways to cope with your weaknesses. You may become overwhelmed or stressed and start thinking that you can’t do something. I also have A D H D, and it makes it difficult to focus and sit still. So for me, I walk around and refocus my energy until I can concentrate on what I need to.

[00:02:54] Sometimes I play video games to unwind and relax until I feel like I can go back to whatever [00:03:00] had me stressed out. Denial can also come from the stigma surrounding whatever disability you might have. Other people may try to convince you that you can’t accomplish something because of your disability. You have to ignore them and figure out ways to help yourself accomplish your goals.

[00:03:15] You can find positive support from friends and family to alleviate the negativity from this stigma. You should accept your disability as part of who you are and learn how to work with it.

[00:03:26] Remember, don’t limit yourself to the written limitations of your disability. Just because your diagnosis says something can’t be, doesn’t mean it can’t be.

[00:03:36] Learn more at www.kyspin.com.