How to avoid/explain meltdowns at uni

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I'm studying at a really good university and I've recently entered the stages of being diagnosed autistic. I have sensory issues to the point where sometimes just being in lectures is super stressful for me. Fluorescent lights and the hum of the projector and people shuffling and so on really overwhelms me to the point where I can barely concentrate to take notes

I'm doing okay academically but my questions are as follows:

1) How much do you guys think I should tell my peers/friends about my AS? Just enough to explain anything weird I do or the whole lot? I don't have a lot of friends but the ones I have are quite close 'mother hen' sort of people so they look out for me

2) My head of subject and some of my tutors know about my problems, but how much do they need to know? The problem is I feel like sometimes they ask about things they do not need to know about!

3) Does the university have the right to insist I go to therapy while I stay there? (I live in the university.)

4) Does anyone have any good tips for concentrating on something when you think you're going to have a meltdown/putting one off in a place where it wouldn't be good to have one (if that is at all possible?)

Thank you <3

I'm in a similar spot, here is what I have done:

1) This depends on how long and how well you know them. I can hide my aspergers well enough to not tell them but I tell them about a couple of issues I have such as being prefering to be quiet and prefering to be left alone when stressed. I have a couple of mother hens that look out for me thankfully. At this stage I don't think it is necessary to tell them unless I feel that it is becoming a huge issue.

2) I think you should tell your tutors if you feel it is necessary. I have only told my drawing tutors as drawing is pretty much an independent activity and you do come up with all the assignments yourself.

3) No idea.

4) I have meltdowns on trains sometimes. It helps to talk to a close friend and I carry a bag of ice cubes with me. The ice cubes are that cold that you have to focus on them. Weird huh?

First of all, I have to say that the college does not have the right to insist that you have to go to therapy whatsoever.

Second, I think that it may be important to tell some of your tutors that you have AS...but you do not and should not go into any great depth about it. It is an awareness issue so they can help you better. If they ask any questions that you care not to answer, don't answer.

Third, your peers do not need to know about your AS. It is none of their business. And quite a number of college students could not really handle a peer of theirs telling them something as wide-ranging as Autism or AS. As for your friends, it is all about trust. It would not be right for me to tell you that you should or should not tell them about your Asperger's.

As for the concentrating and meltdowns, I can't tell you anything...because I am struggling with that as I write. I say things to co-workers that I should not say, then I have to replay the day's events and what I said to the co-worker every second of my sleepy hours. Terrible. Anyway, hope I helped some.

At least it is good that you have a few friends...I don't have any friends. I have pushed them all away. They will never come back...and I am so lonely.

1. Be honest with the friends you have that you feel you can trust, but generally warn people about things if/when their is a chance that they may accidentally trigger something
2. W/ the fluorescent lighting; you should be able to get away with just wearing sunglasses around campus and even in class. Most profs don't care and if they ask just say you have light sensitivity.
3. Sound wise, I've had to learn how to block out sound and I purposely avoid sitting near things like heaters, etc. in class.

People don't need to know unless you feel it is relevant. But profs, tutors and close friends should know so they know how to help you. Although you could just explain that you have a disability and the types of accommodations that would help you. How to help you (accommodations) is more relevant than explaining Why you need help (Autism).

If you feel a meltdown coming on, I'd try to get to a secluded area or your dorm. Worst case scenario contact a trusted friend via phone or something.

Depends on the situation. I haven't told any of my friends yet. Granted, I only have one acquaintance at the moment....but still haven't told anyone outside of a couple profs and the disability office at my school (and my counsellor at school). It is not something I really now HOW or when to bring up, so I just don't.



The should only need to know about what impacts your progress at school. Anything not related to school should be none of their business and shared only if you want to.



I do not believe they SHOULD have that right. Whether or not they DO, I am not sure. I don't think so though. The way I see it is this: university students are ADULTS--most of whom PAY the school they CHOOSE to go to. Adults can make their own decisions. A prof has the right, IMO, to SUGGEST counselling if they see a problem (or counselling centre recommends that a counsellor suggest this in some situations), but that does not mean the prof (or the school) can force the person to go if they are unwilling.



Unfortunately I still don't know how to control my own meltdowns, so no.