I'm in the process of building a new section on autism and higher education, including resources on preparing a teen with autism for the college experience; selecting a college; autism-friendly colleges; and more. Of course, this section will be of greatest interest to anyone with teens on the spectrum who are at a place where college might be an option.
If you have additional resources to share, please add to the list through the linked "User Answer" forms, here on the blog, or by email. Specifically, I'm looking for information about:
- Determining if your teen is "college material"
- Making the most of public school programs for "transition"
- Online or distance college prep programs
- Residential or day college prep programs to prepare teens for college/independent living
- Autism friendly colleges, universities and junior colleges
- Tips for managing campus life (room mates, professors who just don't "get it," taking advantage of disability services on campus, etc.)
- Scholarships specifically intended for students on the autism spectrum
Here are the articles I've created so far; I look forward to your help in making this section more robust!
What Is Transition Planning for the Teen with Autism?
What is transition planning for the teen with autism? It's the process that allows your child with autism to move smoothly from school to the "real world." And it's mandated by law.
Going Through College with Autism: Hints and Tips
What does it take for a teen with autism to succeed in college? Maureen Johnson, Ph.D., an adult with an autism spectrum diagnosis, offers hints and tips from her own experience.
Help Your Teen with Autism Prepare for College
Your child with autism may be intellectually ready for college, but chances are he'll need help and support on campus. Here are some important steps to take as you prepare for, select, and get started at college.
My son is not quite a teen yet, but we have talked about college since a cousin or 2 had recently started. My son had no interest. The over the past weekend he was asking for us to buy him something or another, and we said no, wait until your birthday. He says: “well you can take the money out of my college fund”. That is something we never talked about and frankly, there is no college fund but maybe I need to start one if he’s thinking about it?!
Of course, a lot will depend on the individual child. We sort of took the attitude that some form of post-secondary schooling would be almost mandatory if my son was to have any real chance of holding down a job and becoming even somewhat independent, so we did start a college fund. We haven’t regretted having that little bit stowed away… even if, right now, it seems to be more about just taking some classes to keep him getting out of the house and into a social environment.
The end of the regular school years can be isolating enough (as classmates go off to different colleges and universities); but it’s REALLY isolating for those who don’t head into college and perhaps don’t even have any sort of employment to get them out of the house on a regular basis. After even about a month, fending off depression can be a real challenge. Recreational classes can sometimes fill in this gap and can have the advantage of targeting natural interest areas (e.g. computers, model railroading, etc.). There is also less pressure to meet standards that graded classes do, although some can lead to competency certificates. They can also be relatively expensive.