thank you so much @emah24 for the offer. Was your kid prone to depression before going to school?
I’m now actually really hoping that UCSB services are a decent fit for my kid and that he likes it there. He really liked UC Santa Cruz when he saw it because it was all wooded, but maybe he’ll find Santa Barbara more to his liking and it will be a moot point. I am starting to get very nervous, but I luckily have an involved husband who is committed to helping him become independent, wherever he ends up, and talking me down from the ledge when I worry.
He was not prone to depression at all. Our town is fairly small, so he basically grew up with this same group of 250 kids in his class, so they were quite used to his quirks and thought nothing of it. He was engaged in class situations and even out of class he had a small group of typical quirky friends. Out of school his social circle was very small. It never really created a problem. He is however a triplet, so always had 2 best friends in his sisters. My nephew is just a year behind and they are close. His depression and anxiety are absolutely triggered by the loneliness he feels. We have asked him to seriously consider moving home and to commute but he has no desire to. He wants to prove his independence.
My son did end up picking UCONN. I immediately emailed the Director of Disabilities with a few questions and she got right back to me and said she was looking to working with US. And every day, I find some new reason to feel confident, new club that might fit for him (Scouting association, hiking club, service fraternity, not that he’ll have time for it all) even though I am having meltdowns when I think of the price tag of the program in addition to tuition and the cost of airfare.
Good luck to him! I have not been on the UConn campus lately, so not totally up to speed on dorms and such. BUT there’s a row of churches/temples on the north side of campus close to Towers, East, North and Northwest quads. I lived in both Towers and Northwest during my years and walked past the churches every day going to class. Once you are familiar with the area BDL is not that far from campus. You can also look at Providence – TFGreene I think is the airport.
I am sending you a private message. As I said previously, I have no problem being a local support person for your son if the need arises or if he just wants a break from campus.
Congratulations on your decision!! The cost of the support program will be well worth it if he has success!! If you have the money for the program, don’t even think twice. You will be so glad you did no matter how things work out. Congrats again!