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How hard is it to manage chronic illness in college?

Hi! I have Autism, ADHD, Depression/Anxiety, chronic pain, artificial #college #education #career #school lenses in my eyes and several other health issues. I'm wondering how hard it is to manage a college workload with these disorders?

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Kim’s Answer

Alexandra,


I recently attended school, having some health issues. I contacted the school's disability office. They gave me permission to use an electric blanket in class (the cold temperatures are painful), and a special access card to a restricted access doorway so I could enter the library at the ground level rather than climbing the stairs. I have seen students with desks in special locations (presumably to minimize distractions), and the testing office will administer tests in their office for students with disabilities, who may have special needs during a testing period, including extended times.


At this particular school, they made it clear that they expected students to be their own advocates. That is, if you need something, you need to figure out what you need and get all the paperwork completed and turned in (doctors forms filled out, etc.)


As far as physically/mentally handling the workload, I recommend starting with the minimum fulltime load if you are going full time. Also mix up easy and difficult classes. Figure out what works best for you as far as carrying your gear. Don't be ashamed to use something with wheels instead of a backpack. Realize you will likely be far from your car, so all your creature comfort stuff should be with you. See if they have lockers and look into getting one. Consider spacing out your classes, rather than taking them back to back. But don't make it a long day. Perhaps two classes on M/W and two on T/Th, with a one-class break in-between. Remember you will need time to study and go to the library.


You may also want to get some career counseling. Just because a person has the aptitude for a particular field does not mean it is a good fit. For example, if you are good at law, but don't handle stress well, you may not want to be a paralegal (but there may be other law-related jobs that you can do!) You don't want to get all the way through school and find out you pursued the wrong field!


Healthwise? Eat and sleep right. Take your medications and supplements. Get some exercise. Get some fresh air!


As a person with multiple disabilities, I believe I can do most things that I want to do. It's just up to me to find a way to make it work. It is a philosophy that has served me well! I recommend you try it!


Best of luck!

Kim
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Alexandra
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Sarah’s Answer

Check with your counselor at the universities you are interested in to see what kind of help they have for people with your kind of disabilities. Advocate for yourself. Once you find the university of choice I would start with a small class load of 2 classes, one easy and one more challenging. See how you do. Then if you feel able go ahead and add more classes next semester. Remember to prepare yourself that you'll probably have to work harder than the average person. Don't let a bad grade get you down...use it to motivate you to try harder next time. Don't compete with your classmates, rather compete with yourself to work better every day, every assignment. Find how you like to study...do you need quiet or white music in the background? Do you need to get up frequently to stretch? Stay comfortable with your ambient temperature. Going to college is definitely possible even with several health issues. Be prepared for a challenge, but know it's possible. Research what you need to succeed and look for a college that will help set you up to succeed. You can do it!
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