Midterm season is here, and with it comes the familiar mix of stress, deadlines, and information overload. If you're neurodivergent, you might find that traditional study advice doesn’t always work for you. Strategies like “just focus” or “make a to-do list” can feel frustratingly unhelpful when your brain processes information differently. But the good news? There are ways to navigate midterms in a way that aligns with how your brain works and supports surviving midterms as a neurodivergent student.
For many neurodivergent students, midterms can feel like a mental marathon—alternating between hyperfocus and complete shutdown. The pressure to keep up with assignments, retain information, and perform well can trigger cycles of overwhelm and self-doubt. Maybe you’re grappling with time blindness, wondering why you didn’t start studying earlier. Perhaps sensory overload—from fluorescent lights to the collective anxiety buzzing through the library—makes it difficult to concentrate. These challenges are real, and they can make an already stressful time even more exhausting.
So, how do you get through it? Start by embracing study methods that actually work for you:
Study in short bursts. Long study sessions can be draining, but the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focus, followed by a short break) can help maintain energy and attention.
Minimize sensory overwhelm. Noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or a quiet study space can help manage overstimulation.
Engage your body while learning. Fidgeting, walking while reviewing notes, or using textured objects can improve focus and retention.
Use external structure. Timers, planners, or accountability buddies can help with organization without relying solely on memory.
Prioritize rest. Your brain needs downtime to process information. Breaks aren’t “losing time”—they’re essential for retention and mental clarity.
Most importantly, be compassionate with yourself. Your brain has its own way of learning, and that’s not a flaw—it’s just different. Success during midterms isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding strategies that support you. And if all else fails, remember that there’s always a well-earned post-midterms treat waiting for you.
You’ve got this.
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