Brilliant but "time"-challenged

[MadDiva]

Greetings and thanks for your advice!  I have a student (university), TRULY brilliant, but to whom we have had to issue several "F"s, as he simply does not come to class.  He often sleeps through, or forgets.  My heart broke when he said, "I am sorry I am so unreliable."  What can we do to help him?  
  

[MaryannesMom]

Sadly, not much.  My husband is the same way.  I often hand him an envelope as he's walking out the door for him to put in the mailbox at the end of the driveway.  You would not believe how many times he has gotten into his car & driven off, without stopping at the mailbox!  As for being on time--NEVER.  The "absent minded professor" comes to mind.  Truly brilliant brains are busy thinking about truly brilliant things, the mandane aspects of life rarely get a chance to enter their thoughts.  It is very sad because these people contribute so much to society with their brillant ideas/inventions, but often don't "get anywhere" because they can't conform to society's rules.  Are you giving him an F because he isn't there?  If he does the work, and knows what you are teaching him, I, personally, would pass him.

[Sally44]

Have a look under Executive Functions Disorder and see if that sounds familiar.  If so this student may need help with organising and planning and may also have no concept of time or time management.  This is a disability and supports should be put in place to help him.

[SueNYC]

My son and I am the same way.  Depending on how much tiome you want to spend with him - can you put aside a reak to help him organize himself with a binder for your class.  Outside of that, we are very frustrating people.  Some OT's at school will do this.

[mom2300]

My daughter is really extreme. Her time challenges have always been present and it is getting worse, since she eats so slowly (very little food intake) she finishes her "daily tasks" between 5-6 am the next day. She is still in HS (17 yrs. old senior), and sleeping around 2-3 hrs. daily. Also brilliant, but lossing many opportunities because of her many issues. I am looking forward to her finishing school so I can find help for her AS and  Obsessive conduct. Depression, high sensitivity to touching, social issues, motor skill issues are still there, however, the worse is the progressing OCD behavior.
I must find a doctor and I wonder what kind of doctor would be best for her, we have seen several in the past and she does not cooperate at all.
She has lost a lot of weight during the last year ( eating little and exercising daily), she says to feel a lot of anger if she does not exercise.
I am very worried, and I would appreciate advice from the panel.
TKS.

[Sally44]

I am a bit concerned reading your post because the 'eating little and exercising daily' may be the sign of an eating disorder.  Given the other things going on ie. AS, OCD, Depression, lack of sleep (2-3 hours?) I think it would be wise to go your doctor and maybe ask him what referral would be best.  It may be that you need to see someone who specialises in AS (because of the difference in the way those with AS think) for them to advise on who would be best to address the other difficulties, but I am not sure.  I just feel that it sounds like there are issues around stress, anxiety, depression, control etc combined with a brilliant (perfectionist?) mind that can sometimes lead to a kind of downward spiral.