Self-study
Hi everyone,
I have cerebral palsy with severe muscle spasms, and I'm planning to take the LSAT this fall.
I'm wondering if anyone here has cerebral palsy or another condition with severe spasms. How do you manage studying on difficult days? Do you have any tips for staying consistent or preparing for the LSAT while dealing with chronic pain and muscle spasms?
I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences you're willing to share. Thank you!
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2 comments
I've had a few students with chronically painful disabilities, and the big lesson I've learned is to dedicate the right amount of care and attention to them.
For a lot of people that means paying more, or more conscious attention to the accommodations that would suit you best. Don't hold back on requesting helpful stuff or practicing in helpful ways just because it feels weird. I've had multiple students get accommodations to take the test lying down, for example, and one who wore a literal catheter to address stress related to bathroom breaks. Sure those are weird things to do, but they're also helpful and personalized so like who gives af about "weird".
On the flipside, though, it's critical not to view your entire LSAT study experience through the narrow lens of pain or disability. Your true identity is characterized by a much deeper set of traits than just "cerebral palsy person", and those other traits deserve conscious attention as well. "How do I manage studying on difficult days?" "How can I stay consistent?" These are everyone problems, not just cerebral palsy problems, and the lens you take on addressing them should be similarly broad.
So bottom line from me is think creatively and act boldly in accommodating your condition, but also view your condition as just one of many factors in your test readiness.
You got this, and you're far from alone :D
@MichaelWright Thank you