College is one option for autistic teens and young adults, but many teens and their families struggle
Autism Awareness and Education
with how to prepare for college, how to choose a college where they will be successful and what to expect when they arrive.
Parents and teens have questions and need information. The best source for answers are those who have lived the experience – autistic college students.
ASD-DR polled autistic high school students as well as their parents, “If you could ask a panel of autistic college students 1 question, what would it be?”
The responses were reviewed and consolidated into the top 6 questions:
What supports do you receive and how does it compare to high school?
College does not have IEP’s or other individualized education programs. Students are expected to turn assignments in on time, show up to class on time, work cooperatively with others, take notes in class etc. However there are over 300 colleges that provide accommodations specific to autistic students such as extended test time and note takers. (A complete list is available at www.ASD-DR.com on the college search tab.)
Where do you live and why? (Home, dorm, apartment, other etc)
For most student’s college is the first time they live away from home, outside of parental supervision. For students who have trouble managing sensory input, new situations, social skills and executive functions living away from home has even more challenges.
How do you handle stress?
Stress is a normal part of life. Students with special needs common to autism such as sensory processing issues and difficulty with social issues will have additional stress. Having a list of options and tips on how to deal with stress can help them be prepared before they even leave home.
If you could go back in time and give a piece of advice to your high school self, what would it be?
Everyone continues to grow and learn throughout life. Looking back, even a few years, many students wish they had a crucial piece of information. Learning from other’s experience can help high school students focus on what is actually important.
How do you keep track of classes and assignments?
Executive functions are often a struggle for college students with autism. Knowing what assignments are due and when. Keeping track of where to be for class or labs and who to contact are all tasks that can significantly impact success at school. This was the number 1 question asked by parents and teens.
How do you motivate yourself?
As adults we all have to do things that we don’t want to do. Understanding this and staying motivated are often difficult. These answers will provide ideas and real life experience to help incoming students be ready for this challenge.
These questions are available in a survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LH2DZDS
ASD-DR would like to gather 100 responses from autistic college students before June 19.
Please feel free to add your answers to the comment boxes below or use the link above to the online survey. If you have any queries please use the comments box below and we will ask Ms Marcotte to respond. Thanks very much!