It can be difficult for young people with Asperger Syndrome to function in social situations. There are a number of behavioural patterns associated with the disorder that makes it difficult to interact with others. Some of these are: repetitive speech, difficulty with nonverbal communication, difficulty understanding socially- or emotionally nuanced situations, and an inability to understand and respond in context to nonliteral phrases/statements/humour.
It can also be very difficult for a young person with Asperger’s to perform well academically when they get to college. That’s why taking university classes online can be a positive option. There are a number of actions that can help make it easier for students on the spectrum to do well academically. Here are a few of my suggestions.
Self-care
Concentration can be difficult for someone with Asperger Syndrome, so be careful to eliminate anything that could be visually or aurally distracting in the study environment. Self-care is an important consideration for anyone who’s working toward a university degree and should include carving out chances for rest and relaxation. Budgeting time for leisure activities is an important factor in taking your mind off grades, deadlines and expectations.
Create a restful and distraction-free sleep environment. Use feng shui in your room to reduce stimulation. You might also follow these steps to clear the bad energy in your room. It’s a mindful practice that will help you de-stress and feel more connected to your space. And of course, remove handheld mobile devices and shut down completely any computer or television screens. Screen use before bed can trick the brain into thinking it’s time to wake up.
Consider carefully the benefits of a good mattress that supports your back and holds the spine in alignment with the hips, shoulders and head. It’s a key factor in getting a restful 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. A good mattress should be conducive to your sleeping style, whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper or have chronic back pain.
Support services
Most colleges and universities have disability support services designed to make it easier for students with disabilities to succeed at the college level. They may be able to help if you require special dispensation, or need an advocate to help you communicate with instructors and professors in your classes. Sometimes, it’s helpful to have someone who understands your special needs that you can turn to for help.
Talk to your professors
Don’t hesitate to let your professors know about your condition and how it may impact your performance. The sooner you do this, the better because it will ensure your instructor is aware of the situation and can take steps to help. Most people will respect your openness and appreciate you taking the initiative to perform as well as you possibly can. Never be shy about asking for help during the semester. Instructors want you to succeed, and they are usually more than willing to do what they can to help you. Please be aware that it may be necessary to obtain documentation of your condition from a medical professional.
Be diligent
Be sure to keep up with the coursework and do your best to meet deadlines. If you’re having difficulty keeping up, reach out to your professor right away – don’t wait! Waiting until the ninth week to say something may be too late if you’ve fallen behind. It is better to address missed deadlines early than to continue to let newer deadlines pile up. If your professor is aware of your condition and sees that you’re trying, you can probably expect they’ll do everything possible to help.
Remember, as a university student, you need to do a good job taking care of yourself, making sure you’re properly rested and ready to work hard. Stay in communication with your professors throughout the semester, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.