New to site-transition help needed

[chareng]

Hi!  We are from Eastern Kentucky.  My son is 19 and is graduating high school next week.  I am scared to death for him!!  I was looking for transition advice.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

[Jen]

Welcome!
I am glad you found us. I am not as familiar with things in Ky but know some people to contact:
http://louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/

I also will contact a few friends on the forum who have children graduating- I know of at least one who has found a great program at Western Ky University, I believe.

Will be in touch soon!

[JanJT]

I certainly know what you're going through -- pride for your child for making it and fear about what comes next!

A couple of things that I can suggest --

1) If you haven't already done so, check in with your local regional center and see what services they can offer. Depending on the area, some centers will help not only true 'autistic' people, but those with ASDs as well. ROCs can and should help with transitional services, including job search, and independent living skills and locations.

2) If you believe that your child can obtain a non-supported job and/or attend a vocational school or college, I'd recommend retaining someone to do career counseling with your child -- find a direction that not only is he interested in, but something he can accomplish based on his abilities and strengths. I have many clients who are in college, and doing pretty well (some very well).

3) If you are interested in looking at college for your son, there are several options, depending on your finances and your son's abilities. If your child is high-functioning enough and has enjoyed school enough, he may be able to obtain a four-year degree (maybe more). If he has the grades and the ability, but not the independent skills, you can look into College Internship Program, College Living Experience, Brehm College, Marist College (to name just a few) programs that are designed to support kids while they work toward a degree. Note that in some places these programs are FUNDED BY ROCs! So do check to see what is available through your regional center.

4) For many kids, what I frequently suggest is an incremental college plan -- it is vital NOT to let these kids fail, they have had quite enough of that! For example, unless I am certain a kid can complete a four year degree, I usually find a certificate program at a local community college in an area of interest. A certificate program is just the core courses for a speciality, such as Network Administration. We check in frequently and if they student is maintaining a decent GPA and doing pretty well, we'll add in some General Ed classes toward an Associate degree (AA/AS). If they continue to do well, and would like to earn a BA/BS, we start planning for a transfer to four-year college. This way, we take it in baby steps, and help the student succeed in increments. If it gets too hard, we have at least (usually) completed a certificate program.

5) If your child is attending ANY post-secondary school, make sure that they have reasonable disability accommodations and are 'ASD friendly'. Although by law all schools must accommodate disabled students, many are downright hostile to this population. Network with friends in the area to find out which ones are good, and which ones you should stay AWAY from!

Good luck, my dear!

Jan