<p>Colleges like Landmark are very expensive, and a child may not be ready for the freedoms of being away from home and handling time management and doing homework. I think it's a lot harder than brochures let on. Has anyone had the experience of having their child struggle at specialized colleges for students with learning disabilities?
I'd love to hear their experiences.</p>
<p>My son, who is a senior, went to a 3 week high school program at Landmark this summer, which was a great way to test his coping skills and readiness for the complexities of the residential college experience. There was more structure and support at Landmark than would be available at a typical school. My son did well, as did his roommate, rose to the challenges, and learned that if he is motivated, he can accomplish more than his public school thinks him capable of achieving.</p>
<p>That being said, my son was surprised by the number of kids with ‘issues’ like social skill difficulties and boundary defiance. Many kids were expelled for breaking the rules, skipping class, etc. Of course the LD population is varied in mental health, probably more so than the general student population, and stress exacerbates these conditions. I think it’s fine that Landmark gives these kids a chance to rise to the occasion, and I think it’s equally fine that the administration kicks them out if they defy the community rules.</p>
<p>My son was not prepared for the turmoil surrounding the kids who got expelled, and nor was I. However, with time to reflect, I think it made him knuckle down and work harder to separate himself socially and academically from the kids who got expelled. It just happened a lot faster than when I was in a typical 4 year college!</p>
<p>My son is tired of the soft prejudice of lowered expectations that he has experienced at his public high school. However, he has great social skills, which is why his father and I sent him there.</p>
<p>The question for the LD student and college is: does the student want to go to college? Are they mature enough to self-advocate, to compensate for their deficits?</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>