Should I tell my Sociology teacher about Aspergers...

Post Reply New Topic

I REALLY like this class. And I get a good vibe off the teacher, he's nonjudgmental and he is one of the first teachers who I actually not only get the information but it inspires me after class to think in a new way about things. I have been on a somewhat of a spiritual journey...going from rebelling from the Pentecostal background that I was raised in and going askew, into so many bad experiences and situations--and now back in my faith. Now I started college, and this class has opened my eyes again to things, and the way he explains it all in such a way that makes good sense. Obviously, idk about explaining all of that to him, I know it's in a vague way...but I look around and I know that I am one of the only ones that this class feels like it's helping ME to make sense of the world around me and come to terms with some things that have been bothering me about society, etc. Trying to live up to various expectations in the Bible to "live it out," and I've also gotten this way throughout the week after preaching's. You see, like most of you...I don't have friends really. I went to 6 different high schools and found a few connections only during my first year of HS in the beginning I tried unsuccessfully, because I was teased 7th-9th grade and finally during my senior year I felt the best because I actually did fit in and wasn't afraid at all to go with it and be myself to my full potential there...so I've had my psychological issues that I've been worried about. It has been a push/pull between trying to fit in and look for that (usually not in high school...) which is why I didn't fit in great, I never made it a priority, I just wanted to graduate. Period. Because of the anxiety/depression I experienced. Nobody guessed that I would be in the spectrum of Asperger's, until over the summer when I saw a new psychiatrist who said that she saw the "very mild features," replacing my original "diagnosis" of schizotypal features, which she said that she'd be more worried about than this. I was worried in general, and just wanted off my meds to avoid and try my best to feel "normal," which I still want to now.
Anyway, I think he would "get it." I just wanted to know the best way to write an email about my interest/etc. I know he's been friends with students before, like a guy in a wheel chair who he says he's known and they tried to meet chicks together lol and were successful. He's also a part of the student success committee. So I think he could actually help me with my problems and to come to terms w/ things. Idk.
What are your opinions? Did you ever feel a connection (intellectually, etc) with an instructor and what did you do, if anything?
I just don't want this opportunity to pass me by if it's going to help me ultimately...

Just a recommendation: don't do this.

Now, it's really great that you enjoy the class and I'm sure you'll excel! Maybe you can study further into sociology. In fact, maybe someday you'll be the sociology professor.

Next, please know that it is never the role of any professor to be a confidante (or friend). Ever. Divulging personal information, even with one with whom you feel comfortable with, crosses the boundary. You have an interesting background that is undoubtedly richer than those of (most) of your peers. If you wish to explore that, then blog, write an expose, etc. but do not use your professor as a sounding board.

With clarity, the role of any professor is to teach. Never are they an opportunity to connect. A tact of successful professors is to present information in such a way as to make it personal, but do not misconstrue it as an opportunity. Always protect your own information - you cannot ever take back any disclosure and could even risk betrayal, which could negatively impact your academics in ways beyond what you know. Plus, disclosure of information can make any professor feel uncomfortably awkward.

You might be really surprised to learn that the façade of your professor during the lecture session is really not who s/he is in person! Delivering a good lecture/session is a learned skill, much like an actor performing a play. In sum, they're not your friend. Instead, spend your time investing in getting really good grades, like writing the best research paper ever.

Now, if you had needed an accommodation (e.g. special seating to avoid sensory effects of bright lights), then inform your special needs counsellor (or the equivalent) via your medical doctor. Then your professor can be officially informed, but only to accommodate a specific needs. And no further.

Someday in the future, like after you graduate, maybe you and this professor can interact outside of the academic circle. Then it is appropriate to share such personal information.

So maybe @ the end of the course I can comment on this? We do have to give a review at end of semester on his performance.
I just can tell they he really does try to personalize it all and I appreciate and enjoy all of his efforts.

Well, I'm sure he'd appreciate a nice review at the end of the course. It's just that you might want to be really careful about disclosing anything and especially to one in an authority position (who can have a big impact on your academics later). Just saying, you know? Maybe after you earn your degree, if he's still around, then seek him out as a buddy within a circle of friends. Or even a colleague later.

It's a community college, I'm sure he wouldn't think anything of it...but whatever. He has told us so much about his own personal life. And this is just a general course, not something major. It's just a really great class.

Being that you are asking this question I'm guessing you are not signed up to get accommodations from disability services or your professor would already know. I know not everyone is comfortable with it but I'm a strong believer in accommodations and letting my professors know right away. Unfortunately I wasn't diagnosed till my senior year at Penn State and didn't have this luxury those four years. I now apply to disability services immediately upon applying to a school though. If you want to disclose to get help with things go through disability services not a professor.