Incase you’re new to my blog, here is a bit of a background story.
Aged 14, I moved to a ‘special education’ (I prefer the term alternative education personally). This was a great school, they were really good with supporting mental health and wellbeing. However, they weren’t as good with the actual education side of things I found. Or maybe it was just me.
Growing up, I always did good in school. Then when my mental health declined, I was homeschooled for awhile before moving to my new school. When I went to this new school, I didn’t feel as though those good educational skills came back. For example, I was always in the top math class. After moving schools, I lost almost all of my math skills and got a D grade.
After my GCSE’s, I applied to college; a specific course for autistic people to build their skills before going onto a mainstream course. Was it Autism friendly? Hell no! My ‘quiet space’ was in the corridor next to 2 regularly used doors, 1 of the ta’s was extremlly rude every time I zoned out, there was very little actual support and some of the students weren’t even Autistic! Turns out, the class for Autistic people and the class usually labelled as ‘teens doing college who didn’t want to do college’ were merged. How great was that? (that’s sarcasm just to clarify). It was not suitable and I dropped out.
This was when I was 16-years-old. Now, I’m about to turn 21 and have restarted my education journey using Centre of Excellence with the goal of going to the open study college and the open university in the future!
I am really enjoying my course at COE. Currently studying ‘Life Coaching’ with them in hopes that one day I can help others and put my studies into practice. I have completed 2 modules and received my results (87% on module 1 and 93% on module 2!!)
If you told me when I was 16 that I would receive a 93% grade on something, I would have said you’re mad! Not a chance, I’m not that smart? Being smart isn’t just about your typical education. If you enjoy something and are good at it, that’s smart! People with AuDHD tend to find it difficult to stay focused on something that doesn’t interest them. If you can’t focus on your studies, maybe it’s because you’re unfocused and you know what? That’s okay! Find what works best for you.
If you’re looking for cozy study vibes as an adult returning to education, or perhaps you’re AuDHD and need a safe space? My page is the one for you! I post mental health, disability and wellbeing content along with a few series’ such as ‘studying as a disabled adult’.
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