advice if i should discuss this in my personal statement or will it hurt me?

I have always struggled with learning in school. I was in special ed since grammar school but I studied hard and made it through grad school with ms in biology. I noticed in some of the questions for the personal statement want to know what makes you a unique candidate. I thought about talking about my past in school but I am afraid of doing so because I don't want admission committee to think I am not capable of work or I am not the brightest student. I don't know if I should talk about being in special ed and overcoming obstacles is necessary in a personal statement for phd in biology? what do y'all think?

As someone who is in a similar situation as your own, I can tell you from personal experience that growing up in the early 90s when knowledge of dyslexia was not as sophisticated as it is today that it will most definitely not hurt you. I still recall to this day how difficult it was trying my absolute hardest just to keep up with the rest of the kids with my learning disability and learning English all at the same time. It was no easy task but through hard work and dedication I can now say I am on my way to graduating with an international studies degree and fluent in Arabic as well as English. Looking forward to the next chapter of life. I can honestly tell you that it is nothing to be ashamed of and rather should be a testament of your hard work and dedication to get this far. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!

Great advice, Hakim! It's true... educators of the 21st century really understand the seriousness of dyslexia now as well as other LD.

A great approach is to write about what it was that was causing the struggle and what you did to overcome it. Also, it is important to have a clear plan for the future. Nobody likes to deny an opportunity to a person with a good plan.

:-)