Testimonials | Disability Resources | Case Western Reserve University

ADHD Disability Awareness Testimonial

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OCD Disability Awareness Testimonial

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which someone experiences obsessive and intrusive thoughts, then performs compulsive actions to try to mitigate the negative emotion that accompanies the thoughts. This negative emotion is often fear, anxiety, or guilt. OCD is a change or disturbance in thought patterns that results in negative emotions and affects a person’s ability to behave normally. In some cases, OCD is characterized by a fear of germs and ritualistic actions to try to calm that fear. However, this is only one way that OCD manifests. Different people have different obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions! OCD is best treated with exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and/or medication.

My OCD stems from a fear of not completing necessary tasks and being misunderstood. My compulsive actions include doing repeated mental checklists for hours each day, which is incredibly frustrating and wasteful of time. The benefit to my OCD, however, is that I never miss an email or text message, I am always prompt to respond to people and submit materials quickly. I am very thorough in my daily tasks and make sure that my work is perfect and complete. I rarely forget to do something, because I have it written on a list somewhere or on a mental list!

Case Western Reserve University

2020 Graduate

Autisim Disability Awareness Testimonial

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Coming to college was a big adjustment. I mean it is for anyone, but for someone on the spectrum it was even more difficult. My first year wasn't so bad, but that was only because I had a lot of AP credits coming in. Once I began my second year, things were tougher. I was told by the students that I lived with that I did not fit well with others. I was completely ostracized simply for my refusal to engage in activities that would be frowned upon. The negative feelings that resulted from that transferred to my schoolwork and I began to struggle.

My third year, I began to recover. I became roommates with my best friend, with whom I had a lot in common and who I'm still friends with even now. That's also when I began to interact with the company I would eventually be hired by. When it comes to seeking employment, I've found that persistence pays off. Even if you get turned down once, just keep at it and always put your best self forward. The company I am now employed by came to campus for college fairs and I made sure to stop by their booth every time they were on campus to introduce myself. When I finally applied for work, they already knew who I was since I had showed up so many times. My persistence paid off and I've been working at the same company now for about four years.

Disability Services definitely helped me succeed in my college career. It was a bit of a rocky start at first but after I got to know and work with them, the services they provided were indispensable. In particular, I liked that I obtained accommodations when taking tests. I probably wouldn’t have had enough time to finish half of my exams without it. I quickly became a fixture around the office, to the point that I bid them a special farewell when I finished my last exam. It was also through Disability Services that I ended up meeting my best friend, who helped me get through the hard times.

In conclusion, I'd say don't be afraid to seek help, whether it's from Disability Services or any other service. I found that they were helpful to me when it seemed like there was no help in sight. And no matter what happens or what you tell yourself, you CAN do it, and there's resources available to help you get there.

By Sean Moroney

Case Western Reserve University

2017 Graduate