Might be getting a new roomate - advice?

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DarkAscent
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18 Jan 2015, 9:01 am

I go to a boarding school. I started in August and was assigned a room with its own bathroom meant for two students but my roomate was unable to make it. Since then, I've had the room to myself. But last week, the care staff working on the campus told me that my roomate might be coming tonight. I haven't really given it much thought until now.

I'm so relaxed in my room that I stim unconsciously and surround myself with my own thoughts whenever I like. Because of this, I guess that I might look as though I'm laughing or crying uncontrollably or making facial expressions at nothing when I'm in my own world. My roomate doesn't know about my autism (I think the care staff will tell her) but I'm worried that they will become scared of my autistic behaviour and my meltdowns and shutdowns.

And if my roomate does come, it means that I will have to share the bathroom with them and that means having to change my routine in the morning too.

Does anyone have advice or experiences to share for this?



Fnord
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18 Jan 2015, 9:56 am

Make certain that your new roommate knows that you're autistic.


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Beau
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19 Jan 2015, 2:05 am

Hi DarkAscent.

Within the next few days, ask your roommate to lunch and get to know each other. You don't have to instantly be best friends, but getting along with each other will be important in making this a good boarding experience. Also, discuss some ground rules and boundaries if that's necessary for you.


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DarkAscent
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19 Jan 2015, 11:30 am

Thank you both.

My roomate didn't come last night (apparently they're arriving soon). I've discussed the situation with the care staff. They're going to speak to my roomate about my autism and will go through it with them etc.

I will probably ask my roomate if they want to come to dinner (we'll be in different classes) once I get over my shyness with them. She uses sign language like me too so that will be awesome. :D I will probably explain what annoys me easily and my triggers with meltdowns and shutdowns.

Thank you again!



darkphantomx
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28 Jan 2015, 1:20 pm

Bro, in life you have to learn to adapt. That's the beauty of life.