Looking For A Gap Year Or Summer Program For My 19 Year Old. | MyAutismTeam

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Looking For A Gap Year Or Summer Program For My 19 Year Old.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

My son is in his first year of college and is having a very difficult time academically, socially and emotionally. He has so much anxiety and depression that he has easily put on 50 lbs over the past year. It is clear to us that he needs to take a leave of absence to take care of the weight issue as well as better prepare himself emotionally for adult life. Does anyone have any suggestions for a Gap Year or summer program that caters to his age?

Thank-you.

posted March 4, 2019
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A MyAutismTeam Member

There is a program called SOAR that might be what you are looking for... I don't know anything about it other than their website and that they exists...

posted March 4, 2019
A MyAutismTeam Member

I had to let go of my desire for my son to attend full tome college. We went to an interview st a college that has an Autism Supports Program at Eastern Michigan University. At the meeting where we were learning about the program and leaning towards having him apply, they suggested he start slow at a community college taking a class or 2 at a time. I am so glad we listened. My son is doing ok. He is very focused on grades and has a part time job, but the social area is still not there yet, but we are getting there. The disabilities office has been helpful. Hopefully you had him sign the "Ferpa" form so you can communicate with people at the school. We also recently got him into counseling as his anxiety and depression has been pretty severe as well. This seems to be helping a bit. He also seemed relieved when we said if he needed to stop or go back to one class or whatever it was fine. Hope things get better for him. Maybe getting some advice from one of the advisors would help as far as the academic end of things. We were one week late when John was thinking he was over his head and wanted to drop a class. I explained we'd still have to pay for the class but it wasn't worth him losing his sanity if he needed to withdraw that was fine. He got some support and tutoring, plus counseling and so far, think he will be passing everything.

posted March 13, 2019
A MyAutismTeam Member

I'm sorry he's so burned out! Can he attend part-time or community college? How about online college? Or something like Khan Academy or EdX, that is self-paced? Traditional academia is SO old-fashioned and slow and resistant to change. It really isn't set up for learning differences. You're covered under ADA, but it's the same accommodations you'd get for a job, not K-12 school. Best of luck! Burnout is the symptom that most plagues adults on the autism spectrum.

posted March 11, 2019
A MyAutismTeam Member

Hi WarrensMom, sorry to hear about your son. Hey, my son is the same age! Anyhow, my son struggled with one of his classes last year. He ended up getting an "F," and almost lost his scholarship. He still needs to retake the class, but it was tough. My advice, there isn't a lot of support for our kids, not the same as in high school. Have him register with Disability Services, if he hasn't already, there he can get note takers, extra time, plus a different location outside class, the school can even lessen the work load too (homework). What pisses me off most about colleges is that they expect all kids to pull a complete 180 and become independent. I'm sorry but my kid isn't completely there yet, but one day he will be. I have started to go in with my son to his professor's office hours, I stopped caring what they think, because I want him to succeed. At the same time, I stand back and let my son speak for himself, I step in if I see he needs to address his more concerns more adequately.
Main point is colleges are not ready for our kids, they don't expect them to make it there. More needs to be done, heck, right now, I'm modifying my son's work for him, something the damn Disability Office should be doing. Oh well, I do what i have to do, but it's hard, and never ending. On a positive note, he tells me that I help him when I simply the work for him, that makes everything worth it.
Good luck to your son, he has rights, don't feel like you can't be active in his college academics, you can.

posted March 8, 2019
A MyAutismTeam Member

Sorry he is struggling! Is he going to therapy as well? If not maybe you could find one near his college, or get him hooked up with the campus location. Many colleges have resources for the students. You could go with him to get him comfortable, unless he doesn't want you to go. Then they could talk about things. Many campuses have free tutoring available to students. It can be very beneficial to the students to help them prepare, study and understand the material. Hope he gets help soon. :) Nice to meet you WarrensMom

posted March 5, 2019

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