Help to Make the College Experience a Great One for Your Autistic Student!
Sending a child off to college is a daunting experience for most parents, but if your child is neurodiverse, the challenge is magnified. Even students with excellent academic preparation face difficulties in higher education, primarily related to communication, social skills, and sensory-based issues.
This parent-friendly book, written by parents who also are autism professionals, takes fear and mystery out of the college experience. The new edition takes a detailed look at:
- Changes and challenges for parents in college applications
- New and expanding college programs for autistic students
- The role of parents in the transition from being the advocate to supporting their student in self-advocating
Advance Praise for Neurodiversity and College
Targeted for parents supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals heading toward higher education and professionals within the field, this state-of-the-art resource has a plethora of easy to implement, practical solutions for students applying to, attending, and transitioning out of college. This is the book I wish my parents had as they were guiding me through my education.
-- Stephen Shore, Ed.D, Clinical Associate Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University; internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on autism and neurodiversity issues; autistic individual
Industry Reviews
Parents need to teach their kids basic skills like shopping, ordering food in restaurants, doing laundry, being on time, personal hygiene, and waking themselves up. These skills should be taught long before the child goes to college. They are part of growing up and necessary for succeeding in college. Still, the biggest obstacle for most autistic students is learning to do well in social situations. For example, I had to learn that it was O.K. to cry if I was frustrated on the job rather than lashing out physically. A high-tech company will not fire you for crying, but they will if you throw things or hit others. The authors of this book present clear strategies for families and students with autism to use starting as early as in middle school and going up to college graduation and on to employment. Hard work, the ability to work with others, and clear expectations will get young people where they want to be - Temple Grandin, PhD, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Way I See It"For parents whose adolescent with autism spectrum disorders is considering college, this practical book is an invaluable guide to evaluating college readiness, strengthening key skills, identifying the right match, ensuring the smoothest possible transition, and creating a safety net to maximize the chances of a successful college experience. The authors sage advice and strategies come from years of personal and professional experience. This is THE book our staff recommend to families and educators!"- Dania Jekel, MSW, executive director, Asperger s Association of New England "This book is a true gift to the ASD community. The authors have combined their extensive knowledge and personal experiences to offer a road map to anyone supporting a college-bound student with ASD. The information is clear, ordered, and honest. Charts, tables, and scenarios illustrate possible challenges a student might encounter on campus and serve as checklists along the way. I recommend this book to parents, special education teachers, high school guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, and the students themselves." - Kari Dunn Buron, MS, autism education specialist, educator and author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale (co-author), A 5 Is Against the Law, and Learners on the Autism Spectrum: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators (co-editor)
