How to Prepare for College
- Autistic students might benefit from taking a study skill, paper-writing or test preparation skills class.
- Find tutors or make abstract concepts visual.
- Mentor and practice life skills with your autistic teens (Do this prior to college).
*Cleaning, laundry, money management
*Some elements can be deferred or presented stepwise to keep from overwhelming them.
4. Allow for transitioning your autistic teen to increased independence, academic demands, and more decision making.
*Attending a community college for a year before continuing baccalaureate studies.
*Living at home for the first year before moving to campus.
5. Students must learn to advocate for oneself.
*This needs to be practiced in high school (or earlier).
*Your teen needs to understand his/her needs before he/she can explain them to others.
What to Look for in a College
- A program of academic support with accommodations and tutoring.
- Desirable extracurricular activities that can evolve into social niches.
- Small class sizes with approachable professors.
- A living situation that suits your teen’s needs and likes.
- Able to visit home as often as possible or as the need arises.
*Realize that needs are always changing and evolving throughout life.
*Try to not be so overbearing or micromanage your autistic teen’s life (really hard for this mom) and grow into a coach to point them in the right direction instead of doing things “for them”. Learn to let go!
To all the parents of autistic/ special needs children everywhere, be proud of the unique, gifted, and wonderful individual your teen is!
- About the Author
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Mandu Usoro is a lifestyle blogger, freelance writer, experienced homeschooler and US Army Veteran with a BS Degree in Social Work and AA Degrees in Psychology as well as Health Care Administration. She enjoys spending time with her family, advocating for her special needs son and writing for fun and inspiration. You can get in touch with her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at https://www.homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/contact-us
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