Going back to uni

[ScienceGeek]

I've been away from uni for a few months (holidays and inability to cope before xmas). I've been thinking that I would like to try to get back to uni on a part time basis to start off with, maybe 1 day a week and see how I feel. I have notetaking cover for lectures when I don't go now so there isn't that pressure any more. I have labs coming up that are compulsory so I will be there for them. I think I may try going for my biology lectures to start off with as that is the lecturer that is the most understanding of my need to leave if I need to. Does that sound like a good plan? I need to get back into something vaguely resembling normal life rather than that of a hermit.

[Mumble]

I need to get back into something vaguely resembling normal life rather than that of a hermit.

You could change your course to marine biology and spend all day with hermits (crabs)

 

I think I know how you feel - I was signed off sick for most of last term and I'm really struggling with (and not getting any help with ) being back now. It doesn't help that I still often have multiple medical/hospital appointments each week so can't really do 'normal' - and that's on top of all the barriers the AS presents... and the 'everyday' stresses do build up.

 

If you're like me, you'll try and prove to yourself that you can do it, do too much (partly through worry about what others will think if you don't do what you perceive to be enough) and actually make yourself worse and need more time off in a vicious circle.

 

I know you don't have your mentor at the moment (can the disability office provide someone to cover whilst he's away or do you have a personal tutor you could talk to?) but could you identify what the specific areas of concern are, maybe come up with some strategies even if only temporary that will work for you? So for instance, I had a seminar yesterday - I, especially if I'm stressed, worry about other students, lecturers etc talking to me about work etc and not knowing what to say, how to act and being visibly stressed, so I went to the room early so I could get the seat that I like (in sensory terms), put my stuff down, but then disappeared (just wandered actually then found a quiet room to sit and read in) till just before the seminar so I could go back and there wasn't time for people to talk to me. Equally, I find the cafeteria really busy and noisy at certain times - so instead of trying to cope with that (and the possibility of students trying to be sociable when I can't cope) I now take myself off for a walk to a local coffee shop to get my drink plus the walk helps keep me calm.

 

Often, it's not the academic side at all that causes problems but everything around it (and that 'everything' is becoming more and more important as universities evolve ) - finding ways whilst you're getting back into it to cut out the extras (which you might want to include later) and focus on the academic side and achievement here may help.

 

[ScienceGeek]

The extras are a big problem. Well at least the emphasis on the extras. Everytime I go on campus I get people badgering me to go be sociable with this or that society, or people I'm friendly with wanting to meet up and such. The thing is I find it hard to say no to things so I end up taking on way more than I can cope with, try to do it all and then bam I'm back to having panic attacks and not being able to leave the house

 

I have been offered to see another mentor but tbh my regular mentor knows what is going on and we have had nearly 2 years to gain trust and get to know each other and such. I don't think he would like it if I used another mentor as he has a particular way of doing things. I would only use another mentor if it was absolutely necessary, change = very hard as you must imagine

[ScienceGeek]

ARGHHH!! This is why not having it in writing is a pain. I got an email this morning from the person who arranges my notetaking support asking whether I was coming back to uni next week. I sent an e-mail back saying that I wasn't sure and that I would like to try 1 day a week, but it would be good to know that the notetaking support was in place as it kind of takes the pressure off. E-mail response back saying that she would have to contact the disability adviser to have it approved again for this term! I should hear sometime today. I really really want another needs report done again so that I can have it all in writing, with someone experienced with people with an ASD but I'm not sure it will happen in time to get anything done this year (yes it really does work that slow!)

[Mumble]

(yes it really does work that slow!)

Yep! I had my ASD specialist AoN done in March 2007. It's now nearly two years later and I still don't have it implemented. It's completely mad and I'm very tempted to look at the possibilities of work within such services so they can be made to work with people with ASDs because at the moment, except in a very few institutions, they simply don't work. Anyone with an ASD considering going to university shouldn't choose a degree of less than 5 years because otherwise there isn't the time to put the support in place...

 

You do need a specialist ASD assessment as only they will understand the particular support needs in relation to university and what can be done and therefore what can be recommended. It seems ridiculous that the uni won't offer it - after all, an AoN report consultation/writing is paid for out of your DSA so doesn't cost the institution anything. There aren't many people who specialise in ASD AoNs, but I'll see if I can find the info I had and PM it to you (not promising anything as I have no idea if I still have it or where it is).

 

[CEJesson]

A gradual return part-time is a good option, lets see how it goes.