Subject: Seeking Advice on Disclosing My Condition to Professors
Hi everyone,
I hope this is okay to share here. I’m looking for guidance on how to inform my professors that I have autism and bipolar disorder. I’ve noticed that some of them seem to find my behavior unusual, and I feel that explaining my condition might help them understand me better.
Would it be more appropriate to send an email or discuss it in person? I’ve also submitted assignments late due to my challenges, although I do receive accommodations for exams and utilize them.
I’m not seeking any special treatment; I just want my professors to understand the reasons behind my nervousness and occasional inattentiveness. I often feel anxious when seeking help during office hours and want them to grasp what contributes to my behavior.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
It’s great that you’re considering how to communicate openly with your professors about your autism and bipolar disorder. Here are some suggestions for approaching this:
Assess Your Comfort Level: Think about how comfortable you feel sharing this information. If you’re open about your conditions, it might help foster understanding, but it’s totally your choice.
Choose the Right Medium: If you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in writing, sending an email could be a good option. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable speaking face-to-face, consider attending office hours to discuss it.
Keep it Concise and Clear: If you decide to write an email or speak to them, you don’t need to go into extensive detail. A simple explanation that you have autism and bipolar disorder, and that these conditions can affect your behavior and academic performance, may be sufficient.
Express Your Intentions: Make it clear that you’re not seeking special treatment, but rather understanding. You might say something like, “I wanted to share this with you so that you can understand my situation better, especially when it comes to my participation in class and my need for assistance.”
Acknowledge Your Accommodations: Since you already have accommodations for exams, mentioning this can help reassure them that you’re actively managing your conditions while navigating your studies.
Invite Questions: You could offer to answer any questions they might have, which can help dispel any misconceptions they may have and promote a better understanding.
Remember, professors are generally supportive and appreciative when students communicate their needs. Sharing this part of your life can help foster a more understanding and constructive relationship. Best of luck!