As a parent, few transitions are more overwhelming than sending a child off to college for the first time. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, the feeling can be tenfold. You are sending them to an unfamiliar place with a brand new routine and expected to advocate for their own educational needs.
Increasingly, students diagnosed with autism are more able to find resources and support while in college. The reality is, though, that only 34.7% of those on the spectrum enroll in post-secondary school within the first six years following high school.
To successfully transition into the college setting and make the most of what can be a hugely rewarding experience, it is important to learn about all accommodations and services your child has available at their chosen school.
How Colleges Differ From High School
High schools are required to provide a certain level of support when it comes to your child on the autism spectrum. Colleges are not expected to offer that same level when it comes to accommodations and meeting an individual studentâs needs.
In addition, the way colleges work is dramatically different. The daily schedule is not nearly as routine and changes each semester, the teacher is less likely to remind students about due dates, and many students are not returning to the supportive home environment if they have chosen to go away to school. Much more responsibility falls on the studentâs motivation and executive functioning skills, the latter something students with ASD often struggle with.
Knowing that, when looking at colleges, it is worth your time to look into each schoolâs disabilities services office to learn more about their own accommodations and supports in place. Some schools offer more than is federally required for their students diagnosed with autism, including one-on-one mentorship and counseling.
What the Law Says
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 made it a requirement for any educational institution to provide accommodations for their students in order to give all students equal access to their education.
For high school, this means giving all the support a student needs to succeed. For college, this simply means a student cannot be denied admission based on a disability and must be able to participate fully in classes, clubs or activities, and chosen courses.
Once a student leaves high school, their IEP (individual education plan) no longer holds value. Along with that, colleges have no requirement to search out and identify students with disabilities.
As a result, any accommodations the student receives are because the student has requested them.
Be Your Own Advocate
Colleges force students with disabilities to turn into their own advocates. Parents are often no longer legal guardians due to the studentâs age, and all accommodations are made at student request. This can seem intimidating at first but the experience will further set up your child for success in the workplace.
Upon entering college, your child should:
- Provide documentation stating their autism diagnosis and resulting challenges in an educational setting.
- Meet with the DSS (Disability Support Services) so they can determine that the student needs accommodations.
- The DSS drafts a letter stating those accommodations, and the student gives that letter to all of their professors.
Once this is done, encourage your child to make sure the accommodations are being given. College professors at times have hundreds of students, so at times they will simply forget. This is a chance for your child to learn to ensure their needs are consistently being met.
Take Ownership of Your Education
Part of learning to be your own advocate is choosing an education path that works for you. Remind your child that they do not have to start with a full course load. Many students on the autism spectrum find great success enrolling part-time at a community college and gradually working themselves to a full course load at a four-year institution.
Many students with ASD also struggle with mental health in college due to the stress and transition. Consider speaking with them about setting up counseling right from the beginning so they consistently feel heard throughout the entire experience.
Find the Perfect Fit
Before you even look at colleges, though, take time to think about your child and what would most help them succeed. Maybe itâs the plethora of services some four-year institutions have the means to provide. Maybe itâs a strong DSS department with a solid reputation. Maybe itâs a smaller school with smaller class sizes. Or, maybe itâs a school less than an hour from home. Wherever you can see your child comfortable, secure, and motivated is a good school for them. Helping those with ASD succeed in postsecondary education is a mission Gersh Experience is extremely passionate about and a reason why it was created. The Gersh Experience program assists students with academic guidance, counseling, study skills, and everything it takes for students to prepare for a fulfilling life. Reach out here to apply or start a conversation.
