Sensory overload as an autistic student – ​​The Simmons Voice

When I arrived at Simmons I was both very excited and very worried. The transition to college freshman year is arguably one of the biggest transitions in anyone’s life. You’ll find yourself in a completely new environment, most likely not knowing anyone, and having to make new friends, essentially starting from scratch socially.

As an autistic student, the transition to college is even more difficult. Autistic people often take longer to process major life changes. When I travel, it takes me about two days to fully adjust to the place I’m visiting. the culture shock, the new atmosphere of an unknown place.

In addition, I had new courses, met new people and lived alone for the first time. Before the big move, I had spent the last week packing up almost everything I owned, getting rid of everything I no longer needed, and purchasing the necessities for dorm living. On move-in day, I was overwhelmed and ready to settle in. I had no idea what the first week had in store for me or how it would overwhelm me even more.

Once I finished unpacking, orientation began, with all the day-long activities, hordes of new people, and tons of information to absorb. Like any other first-year student, I was right in the thick of it.

As an autistic person, I need time to engage with my surroundings before fully engaging in activities. Too many new things at once can scare me. Simmons Orientation didn’t give me the time I needed to adjust.

The events took place over three full days with only one half-hour break each day. Half the time was spent learning important information that was helpful, but I wish it had been summarized a little better. Autistic people process information overload more quickly than neurotypical people 42% more information at any point in time.

I spent the other half of orientation socializing. I’m a very social person, but orientation gave me more time in social situations than I could handle. I thrive on structure in social situations, but I lacked orientation.

I was paired with people willy-nilly and met so many people that I couldn’t keep up. Socialization usually scares me because I struggle with social cues and have to focus a lot on reading each situation so as not to mess up. The amount we expected was almost impossible for me. I cried several times because I had nothing left to give.

Things didn’t slow down after orientation. My busiest day of the week coincided with my first day of classes. I had to keep up The work piled up and there was little system in place to keep track of all the required readings and assignments. I love all of my courses so far, but everything has happened so quickly.

It didn’t feel like a “slow start” to college. It was a whirlwind. I’m a slow processor and the first week of college wasn’t made for people like me. I had almost no time to just “be” and process the massive change I was going through.

Simmons has many neurodivergent students who want to be there, but the orientation and quick transition to class are really not accessible to so many. I hope that Simmons will make the first week more neurodivergent friendly in the future.

Since the first week, I’ve been settling in a little better and have received great support from counseling, the REEF Center, and the Office of Residence Life. I’m still adjusting, but that’s normal for any college student. I am truly grateful for all of the support networks Simmons maintains for students. I don’t think I would have gotten this far without her.

I want everyone in my position to know that you are not alone if you are struggling with the transition to college. My best advice would be to ask for the help you need. There are people here who want to help you and support you every step of the way.