Growing up with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), senior Carter Rodman has had trouble interpreting verbal communication. “I have issues understanding facial expressions and differentiating them, so I base everything off of volume and tone of voice,” said Rodman.

Although his brain is constantly thinking of new thoughts, Rodman can’t take in information as quickly as the average student. “My memory only allows me to remember certain things when I am prompted by an area, smell, emotion, song, or something else,” said Rodman. “I take in information, but don’t always remember it unless prompted.”

During class, Rodman often feels looked down upon by his peers because of his disability. “People assume I’m stupid, but my brain just does things a different way and in another order.”

Talking quickly and constantly is a major another cause of negative judgement towards Rodman. “Because I talk a lot and very fast, people can get annoyed with me, but they don’t understand it’s something I do impulsively,” said Rodman.

A pattern of forgetting homework and needing extra time to finish tests led to Rodman receiving his 504 plan during his junior year after being diagnosed with NLD. “At first, some teachers thought I was making it up or was just lazy, but Mr. Herbst has done a great job making sure I get the accommodations I need,” said Rodman.