Do you know a learning disabled person who is always thinking outside the box? Sometimes a person with a learning disability can come up with unusual problem solving ideas. Apparently, they’ve gotten used to tackling problems in unusual ways. It can be difficult for the learning disabled to accomplish task in the standard ways normally taught in school or at work.

Because of their learning disabilities, ADHD, or dyslexia they have had to work harder than their non-disabled peers. They have had to create alternate ways of solving problems because their brains just don’t work in the same way.

I actually thought of these things this morning, after Super Dad told me to look in the trunk. You see I was leaving early to go deliver mail. I got in the car, turned the key, and the engine turned over and over and over, but wouldn’t start. I obligingly got out, popped the hood, and wiggled and pushed on the plug wires.

I called Super Dad at work, told him the problem, and said, “I need ideas.” He rattles off a list of stuff that I couldn’t do right then, starting with the fuel filter. He calls back a minute later and tells me to pop the trunk and look for the fuel reset. “Are you serious?”

Yesterday, I had purchased new tires for the mail car and had them throw the old ones in the trunk for my spares. They must have somehow caused the fuel to switch off. Apparently, it is a safety mechanism, incase you get in an accident. I pushed the button and the car immediately started.

I was encouraged to look at “thinking outside the box” in a new way a couple of months ago when I was reading Anne Ford’s book, “On Their Own.” She contributed the last section of her book to interviews with prominent people who have learning disabilities, mainly dyslexia.

These people thought of new and creative answers to some of life’s questions. These creative answers have made them very respected and wealthy. Some of them are Sir Richard Branson, Chairman and CEO of the Virgin Group, Gaston Caperton, President, College Board, and former Governor of West Virginia, and John Chambers, President and CEO of Cisco Systems.

The reason I thought of all this, this morning is because Super Dad has undiagnosed ADHD. Trust me, after 16 years of living with him, I should know. The only reason he made it through school without trouble was that his parents made him milk cows and do chores every morning before school. Yes, he was worn out, and then when he arrived at school, he had gym first hour.

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Photo Credit

Anne Ford’s newest book, “On Their Own,” “Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD,” A Family Guide.
Publication Date: May 7, 2007 Newmarket Press