my son just graduated high school he has aspbergers (on the autism spectrum)?

Question

I live in NY and would like him to go away to a college that would meet his needs does anyone have experience with this?? thank you

Answer 1

Hi, this link looks interesting:
http://www.kevinleitch.co.uk/wp/?p=410
Perhaps contact the Autistic Social Action Committee?
This is also a really interesting link:
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=14
I wonder if you could contact that student to ask for advice? Also, where is he on the spectrum? Does he know what he likes to do? Maybe, if he's interested in science and things like that he can just apply to a college, letting the admissions directors know that he has aspbergers? If he is qualified, I don't see why it could be a problem. It's more the living situation that is a problem? Maybe there's a school near you that fits all of your criteria (degree programs etc.)?

Answer 2

In general, smaller colleges will be more welcoming and a far better match than large universities. In all honesty, I would suggest he do at least part of a year in college while living at home. College can be a tough adjustment for any freshman. If your son has not spent a great deal of time away from home, has had the help of a dedicated aide or needed additional assitance from you (especially in communication or orginizational areas) having him begin his college career while living at home will give him the extra support he may need to make it through the transisition.

As I mentioned, smaller colleges are often the better choice for special needs students. Class sizes are smaller, teacher and counselors have a better relationship with the student body and the student body tends to be closer. Colleges do not have IEP's and are not federally bound to accept or allow for accomodations. That being said, many schools are willing to help but the student (and his family) are responsible for discussing these needs with each indivdual teacher (and the teacher doesn not have to agree to them, so you may want to have a list of options instead of just one or two). The best thing to do is contact any schools you and your son are interested in and discuss his needs with the dean of admissions. Most schools will be very honest about the amount of expereience they have working with students like your son and if a school says they have never worked with this situation, immediately look to another school. Things to look for are schools with student assitance centers (to help with orginizational issues and tutoring), a good mental health support center, small classes, and strong communication with parents. Housing is another key issue...is all housing on campus traditional style dorms, with roomates/suitemates (many people with Asperger's would find this totally overwhelming) or are single rooms availalble? What training do the dorm supervisor's have? Are students with similar personalities and wants put into dorms together (quieter kids in one area while kids who are nightowls and like to party in another)? IS there someone there on weekends?

Taking the time to get information now can make the transistion much smoother. There are schools out there that will provide your son with a wonderful learning enviroment...but it takes time to find them. In the meantime, let him take a few classes and get the feel for college. Then, once you find the right place, he will be ready to go! Good luck.

Answer 3

Most colleges of any size have some degree of mental health support. That said, there aren't any specific facilities or programs for Aspergers; almost any college would do if he's getting the right guidance. (I wouldn't even say 'therapy' because it isn't really treatable, you just teach people to live with it.)

Answer 4

http://www.professorsadvice.com/
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9841.asp

i don't know any particular schools or anything, but the above sites looked like a good jumping off point.

it may be a good idea for him to stay at least somewhat close to home for school, though. like still in the tri-state area, as opposed to sending him off to california. but, that's a generalization. and generalizations so rarely work for people on the autism spectrum :)

Answer 5

Ok try your local office of Vocational Rehabilitation if you have one How far are you from the PA state line. I don't know if your son would be eligiable but Try the Commonwealth Technical Institue at the Higram.G.Center Its an excellent school.

Answer 6

Many colleges offer programs for students with special needs. If you go to a school's website and can search for "learning services" you should be able to see what the can offer.
There are a few colleges who have started programs specifically for students with Aspergers in the last few years. One of them is Marshall University (of the movie "We Are Marshall") here is their website:
http://www.marshall.edu/coe/atc/modelcollege.htm#faq

The New York Institute of Technology has a program called VIP for students with special needs:
http://www.nyit.edu/academics/vip/

Dowling college:
http://www.dowling.edu/studentservices/ld/

Fairleigh Dickinson College:
http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=731
I have heard that they are specifically aiding AS students as well, but I couldn't find anything on their site.

Just a few...hope this helps.
If you wish to email me privately for more assistance, I would be happy to [e-mail]
Put Aspergers College in the subjectline.

Answer 7

the two you probably did the mathematics incorrect, or your son isn't born for yet another 6 years. many times human beings graduate severe college at approximately 18 years previous, so a baby born as we communicate could anticipate to graduate around June of 2026.

Answer 8

Hey I work with teens and adults with special needs and a couple of our kids just got accepted @ the program at Taft. Also NYU..

Answer 9

My Nephew is the same I gave him an old computer when he was about 13 and it was that one thing that he needed he is in uni now and studies computer programming and it has turned out he is brilliant on the subject~~

Answer 10

One of the answerers asked this, so I think I'll let them in on it: Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is on the high-functioning end of the spectrum. Many kids with AS are often initially diagnosed as having ADHD (and vice versa.) AS people tend to be brilliant in school subjects (math is a good example), with IQs surpassing the normal range. On the other hand, socially, they may act up to 2/3rds their chronological age (so a 9 year old would act socially like a neurotypical 6 year old.) They are often a very logical bunch, so they don't understand common idioms (expressions, such as "money doesn't grow on trees") because it just seems like nonsense to them, and they don't pick up on common nonverbal cues (like a person wanting to be left alone, but not saying so aloud.) Almost counter-intuitive, their emotional states may be completely out of hand - like throwing a temper tantrum as a teenager because mom said no about something (this, of course, leads to people outside the family dynamic to think parents are spoiling their children, or never taught them manners.). They may also have sensory issues, like being hypersensitive to lights or sounds. They also may engage in self-stimulatory behavior (flapping their arms, for example) commonly called "stimming" that tends to be socially inappropriate. AS children tend to be violent, though acting-out behavior depends largely on the coping skills the child has learned (those who may be less verbal may have increased violence, such as biting others, even at an older age.) However, with behavioral therapy (and likely occupational therapy [which teaches bodily awareness, not about jobs], speech and language skills, social skills, etc.) children with AS can have a brilliant future ahead of them. Even at a young age, a frequent comment of those outside the family tends to be, " *I* don't see anything *wrong* with him!"

And now for my dear question lady:
First of all: CONGRATULATIONS to both your son and yourself!
I guess my answer may not be exactly what you are looking for - after all, my own Asperger's son is only seven. But I'll give it a shot.

The fact that he was able to make it this far means he's been doing pretty well. No doubt a good amount of help went into his success along the way. I am certain that you are anxious beyond belief.

The fact of the matter is that, even though he had help, it was ultimately his achievement. That said, I think you should focus instead on what his strengths and interests are. Every college/university has a dedicated staff of advisors that will be able to personally help your son with decision-making with courses. Many of them also offer wonderful support for psychological issues (though rare to find a neurophysician on campus, you might just!) And it's almost certain that he will build a confidante there, with a teacher he has found camaraderie with.
Calling the area schools and talking with someone there now would be a good start.

You know your son's abilities much more than we have been privy to. Are you encouraging him toward higher education for the expansion of the mind, or to find a better job, or both? If it is job-focused, perhaps your son would function better in a career institute like Gibbs, Chubb, Berdan, or DeVry (I'm listing ones I know are in NJ, but I think they are pretty much nationally run anyhow.) The price ends up comparable to two years of University, but you usually complete coursework in 9 months - 1 1/1 years. In return, you get certification, and typically training for the National Testing, if applicable in the field. They also include internships/ externships, and many even offer job placement.

In the end, I guess what I am encouraging is to look toward his interests, and everything will fall into place. While our kids are young, it becomes almost second-nature to explain to neurotypical peers and their parents that your son has Asperger's Syndrome. But in the adult world, he's not going to be able to explain his own idiosyncracies, quirks, etc. by saying he has AS. He'll just be expected to do his job. (that sounds much harsher than I meant it, but the written word does a terrible job of conveying emotion sometimes. The truth is, I understand - at least to the seven-year-old point. It's heartbreaking how the world has treated our kids at times, and we want what is best for them, we want to protect them. Unfortunate as it may be, however, we just can't.)

Besides, your son will be just fine in life. He's got the best support system in the world - you!