<p>I am beginning to call the disability offices where my son is accepted to inquire about Asperger's support services. What kind of support services should I be looking for? Does anyone have any schools where they think their kids received great services? Also, I am beginning to think that perhaps we should eliminate schools with very large introductory lecture halls. Any thoughts? Thanks so much.</p>
<p>My only thoughts are that as a student with autism, large lecture halls are just about the only classes I can reliably make it to on a regular basis because the smaller classes stress me out so much more. In a lecture hall nobody cares if I make it <em>look</em> like I am paying attention, I don’t have to concentrate on worrying about if I am making enough eye contact or speaking enough or staying on topic with my discussion-- I can concentrate on listening and learning and forget the rest. I am in a bunch of small seminars this semester and had to go out of my way to meet with my professors and explain in grueling detail what autism is and get the disabilities office to corroborate because the profs would think I was being disrespectful in class because my facial expression falsely led them to believe that I was not engaging with the material, and that’s very stressful to deal with. I have had professors flat out tell me that I have a crappy attitude and that they shouldn’t have to deal with me because my “I’m listening” face isn’t obvious to them. Every semester there is a battle between the disabilities office and at least one professor over these kinds of issues. But if you know your son couldn’t handle the lecture hall environment, he is probably different. As you know, all aspies are different. Be sure to bear that in mind and avoid making sweeping generalizations based on what other aspie parents have told you worked for their kid. You know what your kid needs better than anyone else does.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for another positive way of thinking about lecture halls. i think my son should sit in on a sample lecture hall before elininating it. I really appreciate your point of view. My son’s situation is a little different than yours. He is very sound sensitive. Extra noise is distracting which is why I think he is better off in small class settings.</p>
<p>I am sorry you are having these frustrations. Clearly it is important to be sure the disabilities office understands and supports your needs.</p>
<p>Another question to ask is if lectures are available on line. My son told me he’d go to first lecture, than watch rest on-line.</p>
<p>Is your son going to UTD?</p>
<p>Here is a pretty interesting thread on Asperger’s from the past on CC:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/285572-mentioning-asperger-syndrome-application.html?highlight=asperger[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/285572-mentioning-asperger-syndrome-application.html?highlight=asperger</a> </p>
<p>Post #6 has tons of links to resources related to college planning for Asperger’s kids.</p>
<p>Missiepie: Waiting to hear from UT Dallas. </p>
<p>Everyone: Thanks for the Aspie web site leads. Great reading!</p>
<p>Anyone here able to tell us which universities have helpful disability services now for Aspergers’ students?</p>
<p>I have found that Umich does in theory, but their problem is that they are extremely overextended-- they have one woman doing a job that could probably use ten people or more doing it, which prevents me from recommending umich. If I could do it over again, while specific services offered are important, I would pay a lot more attention to how well funded and staffed the disabilities office is. It doesn’t matter what they offer if there just aren’t enough hours in the day for them to help every student that needs it.</p>
<p>In my state, Minnesota, I would recommend Augsburg College, which is well known locally for its LD services (and mental health services) and many of their services would also benefit some students with Aspergers.</p>
<p>This site lists several colleges with programs for Asperger’s students:</p>
<p>[College</a> Programs for Students with Asperger Syndrome](<a href=“http://www.collegeautismspectrum.com/collegeprograms.html]College”>College Programs - College Autism Spectrum)</p>
<p>In addition several students with Asperger’s attend a wide variety of schools while receiving outside services and supports from private organizations such as AHEADD, CIP and CLE, these organizations all have locations throughout the country. Programs such as this might be good for students who need more emotional and social supports in addition to academic supports.</p>
<p>And, of course, there is the autism program at Marshall University…</p>
<p>Oh and if you have not read it already you might take a look at the book, “Realizing the College Dream” by Ann Palmer; here is a short piece she wrote on college selection and accommodations:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.annpalmerautism.com/Preparing_for_College.doc[/url]”>http://www.annpalmerautism.com/Preparing_for_College.doc</a></p>
<p>I recall when my son choose colleges, it was simply based on how big their campuses were; naturally the bigger the better. Big lecture halls. Big, big lecture halls. Why did I not see that he just wanted to hide. But was it the right thing for him? Not on your life!</p>
<p>He went to a medium sized school that sounded as if they sought kids who demonstrated “unique” talents. But, the truth was: it was a very serious college with very little support. My son declined and declined, and declined until he nearly had a full-blown collapse by the end of his freshman year. </p>
<p>He ended up graduating from a small LAC near us that did a wonderful job of providing just the right amount of support. But I think what made the biggest difference, at least for him, was that it was only 20 minutes away from home. For him, transitions were always very hard, and being just 20 minutes away allowed him to commute that first semester and ease his way into dorming and finding friends. As a commuter, he could get to classes without a hassle. Eventually, as a dormer, he settled into his quiet lifestyle with a few close friends (who were also on the spectrum). He could come home whenever he felt like he needed a break or a different change of pace.</p>
<p>So many factors to consider, and each kid can be different. </p>
<p>limabeans - good info. Everyone seems to imagine the classic image of residential college life, and I even find myself getting caught up in thinking that when my younger son graduates h.s., he’d be ready to go away, too. But realistically, I think it could backfire based on his particular issues, and it might be possible to start small, commute at first, and build towards the transition of college life and living alone. Glad it worked out well for your son.</p>
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<p>Don’t be misled by any published list or website information. You reallly have to do exactly what you are doing now - assemble a list of what you want and ask detailed, specific questions to see if the school offers that type of assistance. The one thing that is essential for my son (and we have yet to find a school to provide it) is an executive function coach…free, paid, I don’t care, he just needs one. Many (most?) schools consider this a “personal aide” and won’t provide it. But some do.</p>
<p>There is one state school in Texas that has a specific Asperger’s/Autism program. The brochure made it sound ideal. We visited and it was all wrong for our son. They focussed almost exclusively on the social aspects of college and did little with academics. They admitted that. The Disabilites office was no better or different than at other schools…arranging note takers, providing a quiet room for taking tests. </p>
<p>We may visit UTD in a bit. If Son continues in college, it seems like the best local choice. The population up there is so dense that there is a waiting list for their Asperger’s Support Group (for community members - students always get in.) I’m sure you know all of this. When I asked about a coach, they at least knew what I was talkng about. </p>
<p>mdcissp, just please please be prepared for a road that may not be straight or direct.</p>
<p>A client in my office last week was very happy with the Asperger’s supports and Wright State University in Dayton Ohio. She said that there was ample academic and social support for Aspie students. Her Aspie son has been very successful there.</p>
<p>I’m wondering if anyone has gone through the interview process for the autism support program at Marshall. My son has his interview tomorrow, and I was trying to get a good feel for what the process will be for him.</p>