Autism/asperger's syndrome

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Expert: - 9/6/2005


Question
Are there college financial resources for my son with asperger's syndome? He is presently a senior in high school and would be entering college next fall.

Answer
Hi Roxanne,

We were unable to find any scholarships available based on a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.  Individual universities may offer assistance to disabled (I hate that word) students.

Some people are affected enough to be able to get Supplemental Social Security payments (SSI) but it takes up to a year to get them going.  I don't know all the procedure involved.  

However, at least in Oregon, a student with a diagnosed learning disability IS entitled to some academic supports.  These vary from school to school but can include extra time to take tests, or alternative testing situations, proof readers for assignments, tutoring and the like. Contact the university and get a copy of their policy.  You will have to have a diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist, usually within the last 3 years.

Be sure to contact the school's department for disabled students.  They can offer a great deal of support and information.  Also, get a copy of this book and read it:

"Ask and Tell" edited by Stephen Shore is a collection of chapters by people with Autistic Spectrum disorders and their experience in higher education.  Read Stephen's chapter first, then the rest of the book.  It can head off a lot of heartache.

Best wishes to you and your son.

Catherine

Autism

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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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