Trials and Tribulations (Part 28)- Spring & Summer 2016

After careful thought and deliberation, I thought others would find this interesting about our battle with Asperger Syndrome. If anyone would like to post about their trials and tribulations, please leave a link so we can read your story. :)

This is written in the third person.




M made sure he continued to fulfill his obligations and responsibilities that were required so he would not be suspended or terminated from Student Support Services (SSS). He completed an accommodations card with his schedule at the beginning of Spring semester at UMBC and turned it in.

Unfortunately, M’s roommate had financial problems and could not return to UMBC for the Spring semester. M therefore received a new roommate. During the second week of classes M and his roommate were given a Roommate Agreement/Contract. This tool helped M and his roommate know exactly what their living expectations during the year were. The Roommate Agreement/Contract was discussed, filled it out, and returned to the RA. Since M and his roommate share a bathroom with the RA and desk staff person, they all had to discuss bathroom use, the schedule to clean it and by whom, and cleaning supplies. That was filled out as well and had already been filled out by their RA (like last year) and M and his roommate read it thoroughly. M and his roommate signed and returned it to the RA, and all required persons were given a copy.

During Christmas break, summer internships were announced at the nearby military base where M lives. The Pathways Internship Program is a great opportunity for high school or college students (age 18 or older) to secure summer employment, work in their field of study, and gain the experience necessary for a successful career. M made sure he applied for positions that were available that closely align to his career interests and fields of study. He also created an account on USAJobs and uploaded his résumé, filled out all the necessary forms online, and sent them in before the deadline date.

When the Fall 2016 housing application was available, M registered for housing online for both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. M obtained a single room at Harbor Hall again and kept the same room. M also signed up his meal plan for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017.

Prior to class registration for Fall semester 2016, M made appointments with his advisors and and met with them to discuss what he should take. On the appointed day and time M went online and registered for classes.

Spring semester 2016 seemed to go a lot smoother for M. Stress and anxiety issues were lessened and M appeared to enjoy UMBC a little more. His parents also continued to contact him via Skype, cell phone, texting, emails, etc. and also visited him a few times. M still did not socialize with others and spent all his time alone (meals, studying, movies, etc.). His parents tried to get him to socialize more, but M said he was too busy studying.

M invited his parents to Quadmania at UMBC (April 20 – 24). His parents arrived on Friday April 22 and stayed in a nearby hotel and left Sunday April 24 in the afternoon. They did various activities that were offered at UMBC and also did other fun stuff on their own. M’s parents found him in good spirits and everyone had a good time.

M took 13 credit hours this semester at UMBC and did well in all his classes. M continued to use an agenda book and a visual schedule which enabled him to visually see what needed to be done and when. These were vital in keeping him organized and on track.

M tried to obtain an internship over the summer at the military base, but unfortunately there were not any positions available in his field of study. He therefore volunteered at the local Food Pantry Monday and Wednesday (9 AM to 12 PM) to help fulfill references and work experience for his resume. M also studied to prepare for his new classes this Fall semester.

During Summer Break M made sure he went online and reserved his books and materials at the UMBC Book Store to pick up prior to the start of Fall semester 2016. This has worked out well which avoids shipping fees and waiting in long lines to obtain his books.