Introduction
Hi,
I’m not very good at introductions, but here goes... Two weeks ago I was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s, after years of torment and useless therapy within the mental health system. I’m still going through a severe depression, but I think it’s a secondary condition I developed from having to deal with my undiagnosed Asperger’s symptoms for 26 years...
I’m now completing my undergraduate degree in an English honours program, and although I’ve been a top student up till now, I’m losing interest because of all the social demands. I also feel that my professors are giving up on me. Even though they admire my written work and my ideas, I still feel self-conscious about my inability to participate in class. After nearly four years, I still haven't been able to connect with my professors and my peers on an interperonal level.
I have trouble attending classes as the noise level causes me to freeze up to the point of paralysis. For a long time I thought I was merely suffering from social anxiety, but I think it’s much more than that... I’m sensitive to sounds which other people naturally filter out. I also don’t like participating in all the ‘small talk’ that takes place before class, so I’ve started to arrive later, but it seems to be unavoidable (especially since I’m female).
I don’t want to give up, and I still have plans to go on to graduate school, but I don’t think my professors realize how difficult it is for me to deal with social interactions. I’m there to do research and to write my papers, not to socialize. However, I'm not anti-social, and I’m actually quite empathetic and friendly with my close friends.
My psychologist plans to speak with my professors about my particular challenges. Is this a good idea? How can I help my professors understand what I’m going through?
Thanks.
I’m not very good at introductions, but here goes... Two weeks ago I was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s, after years of torment and useless therapy within the mental health system. I’m still going through a severe depression, but I think it’s a secondary condition I developed from having to deal with my undiagnosed Asperger’s symptoms for 26 years...
I’m now completing my undergraduate degree in an English honours program, and although I’ve been a top student up till now, I’m losing interest because of all the social demands. I also feel that my professors are giving up on me. Even though they admire my written work and my ideas, I still feel self-conscious about my inability to participate in class. After nearly four years, I still haven't been able to connect with my professors and my peers on an interperonal level.
I have trouble attending classes as the noise level causes me to freeze up to the point of paralysis. For a long time I thought I was merely suffering from social anxiety, but I think it’s much more than that... I’m sensitive to sounds which other people naturally filter out. I also don’t like participating in all the ‘small talk’ that takes place before class, so I’ve started to arrive later, but it seems to be unavoidable (especially since I’m female).
I don’t want to give up, and I still have plans to go on to graduate school, but I don’t think my professors realize how difficult it is for me to deal with social interactions. I’m there to do research and to write my papers, not to socialize. However, I'm not anti-social, and I’m actually quite empathetic and friendly with my close friends.
My psychologist plans to speak with my professors about my particular challenges. Is this a good idea? How can I help my professors understand what I’m going through?
Thanks.