What are the strategies for getting an Asperger's young adult ready for college?

There are two general approaches which can be used simultaneously:

First, the fundamental aspect of the Asperger's Syndrome can get significantly better. Sometimes the diagnosis can even be overcome and the child can be declassified. Whether or not you decide to take the label off is open for discussion.

And second, the child must be prepared for college life. Even though he may be fine academically, the social dynamics of college are the real challenge. If the student is living on campus, which is preferable, then multilevel support systems must be put in place for the child to be successful.

Here are some questions to consider:

FOR THE SAKE OF LINGUISTIC SIMPLICITY, THE LANGUAGE IS GEARED TO A MALE ASPERGER'S INDIVIDUAL

1) Can he respect and understand another's point of view?

2) College will challenge a student with Asperger's to seek out help when he needs it. Is he ready?

3) Will your child isolate himself?

4) He may know what not to do in social situations, does he know what to do?

5) Will he speak to people he has never met before?

6) Will he be able to get along with his roommate?

7) Can he learn to stop some of his gestures or behaviors which others may find disturbing.

8) Will he keep up with his academic classes when he starts to fall behind?

9) Will he learn information that he is not particularly interested in?

10) Will he get to class on time?

11) Will he keep his appointments for the learning center on campus?

12) Is he OK with handing money?

13) Is meeting girls/boys an issue?

14) How about making friends?

15) HIs self-esteem may be fine sometimes. How will he be in situations when his self-esteem is low.

16) Is he happy?

In the first session, the most important concerns of the parent and the student should be expressed to the therapist. The therapist in turn should give you a direct answer of how to achieve these goals and what exactly needs to be done.

Feel free to Email Rob for more information or call him at (914) 478-4868.

Feel free to go to the testimonials page. More clips of Asperger's Individuals will be shown in the future (or in my office).

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