It is that dreaded finals time. A time when students cram as much into their brains and regurgitate it back out for professors. Every school had a methodology and every professor have their own patterns and practices. For persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder exams can produce significant anxiety and create unintended setbacks.

Change is always a trigger for someone on the spectrum. Prepping the brain to absorb this level of content can be quite frankly overwhelming. Although this period challenges persons with ASD there a few tips that can help your loved one.

1-Create a visual schedule. It is important to go through the syllabus, extract the professor’s rubric and focus areas and make a check list. 2-Provide daily guidance. Students on the spectrum need a daily task list. For example: Review course material 9-10 am, Watch videos to enforce material 10-11 am, Take a mock quiz 11-12 pm and then take a 2 hour sensory break. 3-Give some incentives. When you do finish studying, I will take you out for gelato or when you pass we will go see your favorite movie. 4- Try to create normalcy. It is hard enough to engage in daily route executive tasks with the extra stressors. Help them with activities of daily living. 5- Finally, create a sleep schedule. Students with ASD need rest. Let them have it!

Test Anxiety is REAL but your loved one with ASD does not have to succumb to it.