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Question
my son is 18 years old and was just diagnose with pdd. i dont know what to do because he never got helped from the school system. now i would like for him to go to college, but dont know what classes to put him in. his interest is music. my question is should i let him persue music or get some type of services like life skill or social skills?
Hi Magalia,
It usually works best for students, like your son, to pursue their passion when they go to college. If music is what he loves, it should be part of his education. Talk about the potential for making a living as a performer (hard road) and what other areas might make it more likely he will succeed (adding a business degree).
Whether you look for social skills training depends, entirely, on his function level. Can he go the store to buy groceries, can he balance a checkbook, can he wash his own clothes, will he do homework without someone pushing him? All these things are what he needs to live away from home.
A middle ground might be a nearby community college where he can try out higher education while still living at home. I am a big fan of these kids moving out on their own by age 20 because it's too easy for them "stick" in the safety of parental care.
I recommend you read this book: “Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism” by Temple Grandin, Kate Duffy, and Tony Attwood
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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