Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 8/5/2008

Question
My 27-year old son has come through many diagnosis of the Autism Spectrum Disorder.  He was non-verbal until age 9.  He graduated from High School at 17 with a regular ed degree.  He as completed a 2-year college receiving an Associates Degree.  He has enough college credits that he would be classified as a second semester Junior at a 4-year state college.  (We live in Houston, TX)  He would like to go to a 4-year school, but refuses to go to a local college -- he wants to live away from home.  His desired employment area is not realisitc for his abilities.  He has many abilities, but cannot find a job on his own.  I've found jobs for him by convincing friends to give him a chance, and he'll work for a while, but wants to go back to college, so as the time to enroll in school approaches, he burns his bridges at the jobs I've arranged for him, and then quits without notice to the employer or me.  I need to know if there are any resources to help me find work for him and for any testing, etc. that might help him to gain a realistic understanding of what he can do and, perhaps, even a resource that could possibly help him be able to attend a 4-year school and finish his Bachelor's degree.  Again, we live in Houston, TX.  Any resources that are local would be appreciated.  Resources further away would be considered as well.  Thank you,  Marylin

Answer
Hi Marylin,

I would like a little more information, please.

What did he get his associate's degree in?
How were his grades?
What does he want to major in at a 4 year college?
What career path does he want to follow?

I will see what I can search up while I wait for your reply.

Catherine