I Was Recently Diagnosed and Would Like Some Advice

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Two weeks ago, at the behest of my husband, I finally went to a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and a social anxiety disorder. I was given an SSRI for the anxiety, which has helped me be able to ask questions to strangers and has helped my marriage because I'm less argumentative, but I would like some advice on going through my university studies. My grades slipped because I had trouble with abstract concepts and I want to prevent my grades from slipping now that I'm enrolled in a four year university instead of a two year community college. Would anyone oblige me with this?

When you say you had trouble with abstract concepts that, in itself, is a bit abstract for me to understand.

There are disability services at every higher learning institution in the United States. If you have a diagnosed condition which interferes with your functioning you are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations through your student services offices. [and if you have a diagnosable condition the assumption is that it must interfere with your functioning]

This is done by submitting documentation to the student services office {NOT your professors] and discussing with them what accommodations may be appropriate and helpful for you. They then give a letter or document to your professor including such accommodations. Disclosure of your condition is NOT necessary and is not done.

It is up to you if you want to pursue this route, but if you have found that there are specific issues having to do with the classroom environment or the way the material is presented, it could be helpful. It will not change the difficulty of the material itself.

Things that have helped me:
Given time and a half on tests: I have OCD and tend to really flip out with tests because under the stress sometimes I get anxious about my writing an hyperfocus on perfecting the writing. I actually often don't need the time and a half. Another option to avoid this that was given to me was that I be able to type essay tests, eventually that helped more since I type very well.

I can have water in any class [including computer labs and science labs as long as it is kept in a different part of the class room from equipment and I step away from bio/chem equipment to drink]: my medications can sometimes make my mouth seriously dry depending on what I am taking and having to constantly step out of the room can be an issue.

on the other hand... having the OPTION to step out of the room without being penalized: if I get overwhelmed, etc. I can quietly step out of the room and return without being penalized if I feel it is necessary and make a point to check with the professor afterward to catch what I may have missed.

Get written copies of notes.
Record lectures.
Type notes on laptop.

basically, what might assist you in learning better as a reasonable accommodation.

I hope this was somewhat helpful.
I'm not sure how to address the abstract issue for you in particular because I don't know how it manifests or even what you mean specifically by it.

I know having written instructions and a very clear syllabus is always extremely helpful for me.
When I have a weakness in one area, brainstorming how to make up for it in other areas can prove to be helpful.

Hi, Sign of Lazarus,

Nice to see you again!

How are you doing?