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Autism/Aspergers disease and ciollege

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Expert: - 11/18/2007


Question
Hi Catherine. My name is koye. I was googling aspergers disease and any possible college grants for it and i came across this web page. I am 19 years old and i was diagnosed with aspergers disease around 12 years of age give or take a year. I should be graduating high school this year and wanted to start college as soon as possible in Houston TX. My two brothers and I are going to be getting an apartment together soon and all be starting college together. Any information you have on help with college for kids with aspergers would be extremely helpful.
If you would like to respond in e-mail please feel free.
Thank you very much.
Koye.

Answer
Hi Koye,

I think it is a great idea for you to live with your brothers as you start college. They know you and can help you with the new environment.

I know of no grants specifically for students with A.S. However, the fact that three family members will be in college at once is almost sure to entitle your family to financial aid.

Be sure your parents file the FAFSA form for all three of you. Do this as soon as you can after the first of the year. They can do it with estimated numbers even if they have not yet filed their income taxes.

You should contact the college and find out what you need to do to qualify for support from the disabilities office. Many colleges require a diagnosis less that three years old. So, you may have to get a revalidation of your A.S.

Usually, the help you can get consists of quiet testing rooms and longer test taking times. Sometimes there is tutoring and usually, counseling.

You might also consider applying for Supplemental Social Security. It can take years to get the determination, but if you qualify, they have to pay you from the time of filing.

Also, I recommend you read "Ask and Tell" edited by Stephen Shore. It is all about how and when to share your diagnosis in the college and work world.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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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.

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