I’m a new grad who has accepted a school contract position to begin in the fall. I am neurodivergent with ASD and ADHD, and I am very passionate about accessible education. For some background, I got through school growing up by being a good test taker and outputting quality work. Despite good grades, I was working hard to compensate for executive dysfunction including constant procrastination, disorganization, poor flexibility, low-stress tolerance, and low social skills. Grad school was the first time I received accommodations to support my needs. Along with my accommodations, I learned that with proper planning, prioritization, and organization systems, I can function with less stress in educational settings. My social skills have also grown so much through my professional development and therapy, and I think I can offer an interesting perspective within the school based OT role. I also feel that the routine and time off within a school setting will support my needs.

However, I keep hearing that the school role requires a high level of organization and social skills in groups. I’m worried that if I don’t establish ways to support myself in these skills, I will struggle to complete the necessary tasks. I do have a mentor assigned in the main district I will be working in, and I hope to have access to the systems she uses to stay on top of her caseload. I wanted to ask this group if anyone has had similar circumstances and succeeded in a school setting? Are there any tools or resources that were helpful, especially when it comes to organization and presenting in group meetings? I’m also kind of going crazy with the lack of structure in my routine as I study for NBCOT and review materials for this full time role, so if anyone has any study resources that include structure and quizzes I’d love some suggestions.

Thanks in advance!