LD YOUNG ADULT HAS DIFFICULTY FINDING A JOB

I am a 24 year old female with a severe LD due to cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia). I always struggled in school esp. in subjects like English and History and was relatively better in Science and Math, however I always got good grades because of excellent effort and motivation (spent hours on homework all throughout secondary school). I even managed to get into a prestigious college with an SAT score of 1350 (680V 670M). However, college was way above my head, I struggled immensely and really didn't learn anything in college. In college is when I decided to get tested for LD (I should've done it years ago, but because I always got good grades, I never got tested in secondary school). Here are my WAIS scores (tested at age 20)

Similarities--19
Vocabulary--18
Information--15
Arithmetic--13
Digit Span--11
Letter-Number Sequencing--11
Matrix Reasoning--10
Block Design--5
Picture Completion--2
Digit-Symbol Coding--5
Symbol Search--7

Verbal IQ--135
Performance IQ--73
Full Scale IQ--average (not calculated due to discrepancy)
Verbal Comprehension Index-145
Working Memory Index--109
Perceptual Organization Index--71
Perceptual Speed Index--79

Now, it's been two years since I graduated from college and I still can't find a job. Due to the severity of my LD, my job options are limited. Most of the jobs that are posted are above my head but I still apply and obviously don't get hired because my lack of ability for the job shows on interviews. I am getting help from my state's Voc. Rehab. (NY State's VESID) but it's not very effective. I am really at a loss and feel discouraged about my future. What jobs do you think would be right for someone like me? Where should I look?

You should out this book:[http://www.amazon.com/Employment-Individuals-Asperger-Non-Verbal-Disability/dp/184310766X/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240317546&sr=8-9#]

She gives wonderful tips on how to approach finding a job for people who have NVLD and Aspergers.

A lot of college graduates are having difficulty finding employment right now, so your issues may not be as LD related as you believe.

Sorry you are having trouble. The only thing i can think to say is the economy is kinda waaaay down the crapper right now. Europe, is having it's own economic issues but isn't as bad as the american job market. My advice is move to europe and look for a job here. You will have an easier time in this economy. Good luck!

Do you think going to a career counselor is worthwhile or will they just tell me what I already know, not help and waste my money? Also, I can only afford one or two appointments, not seeing someone on a regular basis since my only income consists of SSI(Soc. Security benefits for the disabled).

Also, if you think a career counselor is worthwhile, do you know of someone good who has experience with LD issues? I live in New York City.

Perhaps you could begin by thinking about what sort of jobs you would like to do?
Then you can start looking at how you could get one of those jobs, and what you might need to do to get it?

I believe most psychologists offer career counseling, but if you are getting services from Voc-Rehab, I would think that they would offer a "job coach" for free? I never used voc rehab or a career couselor, so I couldn't tell you if it works or not.

I have friends who are college graduates and have masters degrees, and they're pushing 30 and do not have a career yet.

Geoff's advice is good! Find out what you really want to do and be as proactive as you can in finding a way to get your foot in the door somewhere.

I'm a little bit older than you Itsmethere, and I am not in the line of work that I would like to be yet, but I cannot give up and neither can you!

Good Luck!

As I understand, a job coach would help train me for the job on the job, but not find me a job or suggest the best job for me.