<p>Going with the information you have provided - </p>
<p>I would look at a number of schools your son would be happy to attend if he did not have Asperger’s, and then see if a support program can be developed and individualized, rather than look for schools with learning support programs first, especially if he is not receiving much (or any) academic support in the high school. If your student would have problems meeting a specific requirement (foreign language, for instance), you would probably want to clear any modifications that would be necessary with the disabilities office.</p>
<p>Aside from that, I would consider (for a science or engineering major) a school with a co-op program, or a research university with ample opportunities for student research beginning freshman year. The hands-on experience is invaluable.</p>
<p>Additionally, I would be pro-active and anticipate that an AS student might need help with</p>
<p>-finding an appropriate living situation (standard double might not work)</p>
<p>-asking for help and participating in study groups with other students</p>
<p>-understanding the grading system in science classes (steep curves, etc.)</p>
<p>-daily living (healthy diet, how to make doctor’s appointments, hygiene issues)</p>
<p>-establishing friendships, joining and functioning in social groups</p>
<p>-dealing with bureaucracy (meeting deadlines, etc.)</p>
<p>-scheduling</p>
<p>I would also make sure that you could visit on a regular basis, especially during the first year or two, and that you establish a contact with a university person who sees your child on a regular basis (does not necessarily have to be someone in the disabilities office) and get your student to sign any releases necessary to exchange information.</p>
<p>Students with AS from our area who have majored in science and engineering have been successful at a number of research universities that would be in the range of schools your son would likely consider. </p>
<p>Once you settle on some schools, you might want to contact some AS support groups to see if there are any students from those universities active in those groups. In some cases, there are professors (especially from engineering schools) who participate in these groups. Or, you could name schools on this board and see if there are any parents or students with experience at these schools.</p>
<p>One often overlooked book that I would recommend looking at, is Judith Cohen’s <em>Success with Autism</em>, which describes the college experiences of a student studying to become a math teacher.</p>
<p>I would have your son read Temple Grandin’s books as well (including the the one on social skills she co-authored with Sean Barron.) You might also take a look at the AHEADD program in Pittsburgh (Carol Komich Hare) which supports students at a wide range of Pittsburgh schools, even if your son is interested in going elsewhere, to get an idea of the types of help students can need.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that you have time left before your son starts college to see that he continues to develop academic and social skills. By the beginning of senior year, you should reach a decision wrt whether, how, and when your son will disclose his AS. I do not think there is one correct answer that would cover every AS student.</p>