Any advice on getting through school?

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I have Aspergers, but was only diagnosed four months ago. I'm 22 years old and have been in and out of Jr. College for five years. This semester, I'm back in school after a year hiatus. Since I've been diagnosed, I've been accepted into the Disabled Students Program, which as the name implies, is supposed to help students of all disabilities be successful through college.

Here's my problem:

Today I went to sign the last of the papers and find out what kind of benefits I'd be getting. To my disappointment, they told me I could have extra time for tests, I was allowed to record the lesson, or I could take tests in a more isolated environment. These are the same benefits my brother gets. (My brother, incindently, has a minor learning disorder that is in no way related to Aspergers or Austism in general). None of these "benefits" actually help me. It's like they ignored my profile and the very uncomfortable hour I spent discussing my difficulties in school and just gave me the "general disabled package."

My disability is purely social. I have no problems taking a test, taking notes, or even raising my hand to answer a question. My problem is that I cannot talk with my teacher if I do have a question or if I missed something. I have dropped more classes than I care to count just out of overwhelming fear of the teacher.

So, my question is: Does anyone else get learning benefits that actually help them in their given situation? And if so, what are they and how do they help you?

I pretty much have had the same problems in the past. This probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but I don't believe there's anything they can do for you.

I know, I have the same issues. I have suffered countless times, as a result of my aversion to talking to the instructor. You just have to bite the bullet and do it. You'll be glad you did. No one can make you talk to the teacher but you.

I guess the question I have is do you work for an employer through whom you obtain benefits? If so, you may be able to get some training from a licensed counselor that may help. Might only take 2 or 3 sessions. Can't hurt.

[Moved from General Autism Discussion to School and College Life]

I know where your coming from! I'm in High School and under the 504 plan. Extra time- for what?!?! That's more for ADHD kids who can't focus. Its the extract opposite For me... Though its supposed to help our handwriting, as most aspies, me included, have bad handwriting and need the extra time(which I don't uses anyhow) I suggest if u have a question but are scared of the other classmates, ask the teacher berfore or after class. If its the teacher, try asking other students

Have you ever considered online college courses?

Getting appropriate accomodation for circumstances that disabilities co-ordinators don't understand is unfortunately sometimes going to require you actively seeking them out. In my case a councillor basicallly walked me through signing up with my schools office and set up my meeting there. I wouldn't have done it on my own, my social impairment makes me reluctant to do anything like this. Hopefully you can push through that, or use email or something to communicate with your disabilities office.
When I finally met with a disabilities co-ordinator to discuss what I needed, I was offered the typical ADHD package and turned that down. My requests were something that my coordinator had not encountered before, and she seemed a little surprised by what I was requesting. My accomodations are (1) that I can leave any class, lab, meeting or exam to collect myself if I have a meltdown, and (2) that I can choose the locations and professors involved in any of my grad related exams and presentations, and meet with them informally prior to any exams so that I am personally comfortable with them. These are small reassurances that help me keep my anxiety in check.
As far as communicating with the instructor, perhaps print off your original post here, and present that to your disabilities co-ordinator, or email it to them. It is not unreasonable to ask the disabilities office to help you establish a rapport with the instructors, whether in person or via email, but you may be able to do this yourself as well. I have done this, and did even before I was diagnosed. Doing this yourself also means you can avoid disclosure, which does affect some instructors' treatment of you as a student.
I encourage you to actively try to get accomodations that suit you, the sooner the better. Not only will it make school easier and more enjoyable for you, but you will also help your school's disabiities office understand that the needs of students on the spectrum are unique.