Planning for College on the Spectrum
As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum who has learning disabilities and anxiety, I have concerns about her education now, and in the future. Next year she is off to high school and with less than five years to go, I’m starting to prepare myself on how best to prepare her for college.
My oldest is a sophomore this year and I know already that every single year of high school involves some activity designed to fit into college preparation. Those activities frankly scare me for my daughter. Her test anxiety is already through the roof thanks to standardized tests and even just simple quizzes. SAT’s? PSAT’s? Eek!
Then I think about all of the supports we currently have in place. IEP, paraprofessionals, Special Education case management. College? How? Luckily, the answers are starting to come and I have a lot more hope in the whole process. College IS possible for my daughter! Really!
Colleges like Adelphi University understand! In fact, they offer a College Program specifically for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorders. I really had no idea!
The Bridges to Adelphi Program
The Bridges to Adelphi Program offers individual and group academic, social and vocational support services to Adelphi University students with neuro-social and other non-verbal disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It is designed to enhance college life for students with nonverbal learning disabilities by providing help with organizational skills, time management, independent living skills and social skills training.
Using social learning and cognitive behavioral principles as theoretical foundations, Bridges to Adelphi is a multifaceted intervention program that includes coaching, learning strategies, behavioral modeling, and peer mentoring.
I worry about so many things but I’m not willing to give up my hopes and dreams for my daughter – and I’m never going to let her give up hers! Her dreams are soaring high and last year she wrote the following letter to President Obama –
Dear Mr President what is it like being president. my name is Kendra [redacted] and I am going to 7th grade I am 12, do you have a pet ,if you do could you send me a picture of him or her.what is like being president I know you are busy but could you write back and send me pictures of the white house and your family and the rooms. I want to be like you one day.
I’m really thankful that there are programs like the Bridges to Adelphi program for my daughter and for all of the other wonderful kids on the spectrum refusing to let the spectrum hold them back!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Adelphi University. The opinions and text are all mine.
She’s so pretty! And what a great opportunity you’ve found, that’s wonderful!
I haven’t heard of it until now. I’m glad that you’ve found it for her though, and it’s awesome that you shared.
So good to hear that programs like the ones offered though Adelphi exisit. The spectrum shouldn’t hold anyone back, but sadly it can without the help of programs like this one.
I think its easy to think schooling has to be over once our of High School with children with Autism. It is fabulous that there is another option for them to continue their education!