RE: preparing for college

[Guest guest]

I feel your pain...I'm about ready to send my second one off to

college and it seems like just yesterday he was wearing a batcape and

jammies with feet in them!

I am a teacher with a passion for kids on the spectrum but not a

parent of a child with autism. However, my oldest daughter was

diagnosed with a significant learning difference in math as a senior (

I know, how did a teacher let THAT escape? She learned to compensate

well and another issue that led us to a full psych eval determined

this...bad moment for me as a mom) When I spoke with the DR. who

diagnosed this and we talked about college he said that colleges are

responsible for providing accommodations to students with learning

differences. He told us at the time that his report should be enough

to get her the services, but if not a letter from him would work.

All that said, my daughter is quite strong willed and has refused to

go to the University to disclose this. With all the new laws, we can't

even talk to people there. We can pay the bill but we can't discuss

things concerning her with them! She is still finding ways to

compensate and doing OK and it is now her sophomore year.

She is attending a small private Christian school in Dallas. She

loves the smaller class sizes and the ability to get to know her

professors.

I don't know how much I've helped, but that was our experience.

As a teacher I'll be interested to hear what other people have to say

as well.

>

> My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this

happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start

first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday.

He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on

SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared.

>

> Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking

that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to

be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size

college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body.

Specific questions we're dealing with are:

>

> Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose

this disability or not?

> I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal

with learning disability needs.

> He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable

him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not

sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments.

I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another

" professional " that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I

figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision.

> Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!

> Mims

>

>

> ---------------------------------

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Search.

>

[Guest guest]

Mims,We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you get academic accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be "on to" you and refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very well. The essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too. 's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room so he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to be singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center, except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll try to answer the best I can.LizOn Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote:My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are:Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not?I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision.Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!Mims Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

My son just took the ACT and did very

well. The ACT was recommended by the private school he attends as they

say our kids tend to do better with this than the SAT. I believe the

writing portion is something new with the ACT; you can opt not to take this

portion if you want. Tyler

does not do well at all on written expression so he opted out. The school

did an ACT prep class for the kids 4 days/week for the three weeks leading up

to the test which I think helped a lot. Even though Tyler did very well he will retake it in

April as they typically can improve their scores on a retake and the head of

the school said if he improves his score by 2-3 points he can get in to most

colleges. If he decides to apply to a college that requires the written

portion of the test we will have him retake for a third time and do the written

portion. I don’t know whether we will disclose or not. I think it

will depend on how much assistance he will need and if the school offers

any. I can’t see Tyler

being ready to live in a dorm so the plan is for him to live at home (he lives

with his dad). We live in Houston

so there are many school options that will allow him to live at home. He

wants to go to ITT (a private technology colleges with campuses nationwide).

There is one close but while ITT does have many 4 year campuses this school

only offers associate degrees. But, he could always go to another school

to complete his bachelors if he desires. Now, I am not sure what we will

do about transportation as he doesn’t drive yet. But, he does have another

year of high school and we can always hope he starts driving…

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Liz Bohn

Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008

3:48 PM

Subject: Re: ( )

preparing for college

Mims,

We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an

individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll

need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as

SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you get academic

accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be " on to " you and

refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid

has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they

are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very

well. The essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he

did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented

disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had

extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too.

's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room

so he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to

be singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center,

except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a

bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll try to answer the best I can.

Liz

On Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote:

My

16 yo is preparing for college. (I h! ave no i dea how this

happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first

grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday.

He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home

program for a while, so I think he's prepared.

Can

anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll

live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own

yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not

overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're

dealing with are:

Do we

include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this

disability or not?

I've

noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning

disability needs.

He's never

had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get

special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's

worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really

don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another

" professional " that will rock the boat with inappropriate

comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a

decision.

Any

thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!

Mims

Looking

for last minute shopping deals? Find

them fast with Search.

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Mims, Sorry I don't have any advice because I'm not there yet. But will read all post speaking about college.. I'm so happy for you and to hear your son is ready for college. Yes, time does go fast. That is so awesome !!! just wanting to send you a Hug and wishing your son the best ... and the best education in college. I hope you keep us posted on how he's doing and what you did decide to do. Hugs RoseMims Batts <mimsnj@...> wrote: My 16 yo is

preparing for college. (I have no idea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are: Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not? I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've

considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision. Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated! Mims Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

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, just a quick thought with transportation. would car pooling work? I have a cousin that lives on campus, but during breaks and summer she car pools with other kids to take her 5 hr ride home. maybe some kids also travel back & forth (that live not far from you) to save money instead of renting fees and be willing to car pool to help with gas.. Elgamal <cindyelgamal@...> wrote: My son just took the ACT and did very well. The ACT was recommended by the private school he attends as they say our kids tend to do better with this than the SAT. I believe the writing portion is something new with the ACT; you can opt not to take this portion if you want. Tyler does not do well at all on written expression so he opted out. The school did an ACT prep class for the kids 4 days/week for the three weeks leading up to the test which I think helped a lot. Even though Tyler did very well he will retake it in April as they typically can improve their scores on a retake and the head of the school said if he improves his score by 2-3 points he can get in to most colleges. If he decides to apply to a college that requires the written portion of the test we will have him retake for a third time and do the written portion. I don’t

know whether we will disclose or not. I think it will depend on how much assistance he will need and if the school offers any. I can’t see Tyler being ready to live in a dorm so the plan is for him to live at home (he lives with his dad). We live in Houston so there are many school options that will allow him to live at home. He wants to go to ITT (a private technology colleges with campuses nationwide). There is one close but while ITT does have many 4 year campuses this school only offers associate degrees. But, he could always go to another school to complete his bachelors if he desires. Now, I am not sure what we will do about transportation as he doesn’t drive yet. But, he does have another year of high school and we can always hope he starts driving… From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Liz BohnSent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:48 PM Subject: Re: ( ) preparing for college Mims, We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you get academic accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be "on to" you and refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very well. The

essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too. 's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room so he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to be singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center, except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll try to answer the best I can. Liz On Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote: My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I h! ave no i dea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a

couple times, and he's been working on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are: Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not? I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then

make a decision. Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated! Mims Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

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We currently carpool to his school.

College is a very different environment from high school and most of the

students probably drive themselves to school – a few may use the

bus. The college Tyler wants to go to is

here in Houston

and he will live at home. We live in a suburb that Metro (the bus system)

does not provide service to. We will figure out a way to get him back and

forth to school.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Rose

Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008

6:05 PM

Subject: RE: ( )

preparing for college

,

just a quick thought with transportation. would car pooling

work?

I have a cousin that lives on campus, but during breaks and summer she

car pools with other kids to take her 5 hr ride home.

maybe some kids also travel back & forth (that live not far from

you) to save money instead of renting fees and be willing to car pool to

help with gas..

Elgamal <cindyelgamalsbcglobal (DOT) net>

wrote:

My son just took the ACT and did very

well. The ACT was recommended by the private school he attends as they

say our kids tend to do better with this than the SAT. I believe the

writing portion is something new with the ACT; you can opt not to take this

portion if you want. Tyler

does not do well at all on written expression so he opted out. The school

did an ACT prep class for the kids 4 days/week for the three weeks leading up

to the test which I think helped a lot. Even though Tyler did

very well he will retake it in April as they typically can improve their scores

on a retake and the head of the school said if he improves his score by 2-3

points he can get in to most colleges. If he decides to apply to a

college that requires the written portion of the test we will have him retake

for a third time and do the written portion. I don’t know whether

we will disclose or not. I think it will depend on how much assistance he will

need and if the school offers any. I can’t see Tyler being

ready to live in a dorm so the plan is for him to live at home (he lives with

his dad). We live in Houston

so there are many school options that will allow him to live at home. He

wants to go to ITT (a private technology colleges with campuses

nationwide). There is one close but while ITT does have many 4 year campuses

this school only offers associate degrees. But, he could always go to

another school to complete his bachelors if he desires. Now, I am not

sure what we will do about transportation as he doesn’t drive yet.

But, he does have another year of high school and we can always hope he starts

driving…

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Liz Bohn

Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008

3:48 PM

Subject: Re: ( )

preparing for college

Mims,

We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an

individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll

need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as

SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you get academic

accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be " on to " you and

refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid

has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they

are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very

well. The essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he

did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented

disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had

extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too.

's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room so

he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to be

singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center,

except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a

bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll try to answer the best I can.

Liz

On Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote:

My

16 yo is preparing for college. (I h! ave no i dea how this

happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first

grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday.

He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home

program for a while, so I think he's prepared.

Can

anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll

live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own

yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not

overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're

dealing with are:

Do we

include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this

disability or not?

I've

noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning

disability needs.

He's never

had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get

special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's

worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really

don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another

" professional " that will rock the boat with inappropriate

comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a

decision.

Any

thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!

Mims

Looking

for last minute shopping deals? Find

them fast with Search.

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it now.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info, Liz. We're still debating whether or not to disclose. Weighing the pros and cons of it. My son asked his HS counselor today about the accommodations and she explained to him that he would need to be seen by the child study team,etc... She also told him that there was a possibility of being able to get it without the team based on his diagnosis alone. Gosh, I was so happy that he took the initiative to talk to the counselor on his own about this! I had only briefly discussed it with him to get a feel for his reaction. Ah! One of those moments where you can smile and see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel! has never had any accommodations in school and he's never needed additional time with testing, so I think he'll probably be ok. But... there's that little voice in the back of my head that's saying, "Ohhhhh.... what if??"

Transitions are hard for him, and college will be a BIG one...... Thanks so much for your advice. I'm sure I'll be back for more. Mims Liz Bohn <lbohn@...> wrote: Mims, We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you

get academic accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be "on to" you and refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very well. The essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too. 's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room so he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to be singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center, except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll

try to answer the best I can. Liz On Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote: My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT

home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are: Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not? I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with

inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision. Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated! Mims Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

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We haven't even looked into the ACT. They seem to push the SAT in our area. It's worth looking into though. My son's not driving yet, either. He took the classwork in school as a sophomore, but isn't ready for behind the wheel yet. My husband bought a riding mower last summer and says that's for pre-driving training for our son! (Any excuse will do to make a purchase at hardware store!) We have many colleges nearby, but none within public transportation. Looks like we're in the same hopeful boat as you. Thanks for your advice! Mims Elgamal <cindyelgamal@...> wrote: My son just took the ACT and did very well. The ACT was recommended by the private school he attends as they say our kids tend to do better with this than the SAT. I believe the writing portion is something new with the ACT; you can opt not to take this portion if you want. Tyler does not do well at all on written expression so he opted out. The school did an ACT prep class for the kids 4 days/week for the three weeks leading up to the test which I think helped a lot. Even though Tyler did very well he will retake it in April as they typically can improve their scores

on a retake and the head of the school said if he improves his score by 2-3 points he can get in to most colleges. If he decides to apply to a college that requires the written portion of the test we will have him retake for a third time and do the written portion. I don’t know whether we will disclose or not. I think it will depend on how much assistance he will need and if the school offers any. I can’t see Tyler being ready to live in a dorm so the plan is for him to live at home (he lives with his dad). We live in Houston so there are many school options that will allow him to live at home. He wants to go to ITT (a private technology colleges with campuses nationwide). There is one close but while ITT does have many 4 year campuses this school only offers associate degrees. But, he could always go to another school to complete his bachelors if he desires. Now, I am not sure what

we will do about transportation as he doesn’t drive yet. But, he does have another year of high school and we can always hope he starts driving… From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Liz BohnSent: Wednesday,

February 27, 2008 3:48 PM Subject: Re: ( ) preparing for college Mims, We opted to disclose when went to college, but it's really an individual thing. I guess it depends on how much assistance you think he'll need. If he won't need much, there's probably no need to disclose. As far as SAT accommodations go, it's really tough to get them. If you get academic accommodations now, the SAT people will probably be "on

to" you and refuse him accommodations. They look for longstanding accommodations that a kid has had over many years. From what I have heard from another list I'm on, they are REALLY picky. My son took the SATs without any accommodations, and did very well. The essay piece wasn't his stellar strength, but on everything else, he did very well. Colleges can offer all sorts of accommodations for documented disabilities. Here is where an IEP in high school becomes useful. If he had extra time on exams in high school, the college will usually offer it, too. 's college offered him the option of taking his exam in a separate room so he could type his exams. refused, though, because he didn't want to be singled out. He didn't use any of the resources from the learning center, except for tutoring (one semester -- it wasn't terribly useful, and we paid a bundle for it). If you have other questions, I'll try to answer the best I can. Liz On Feb 27, 2008, at 3:16 PM, Mims Batts wrote: My

16 yo is preparing for college. (I h! ave no i dea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed

by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are: Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not? I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if

it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision. Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated! Mims Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

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[Guest guest]

Rose Thank you for your kind reply! The support on this list is just awesome. I'm grateful for everyone's kindness and hope I can be nearly as helpful to you as you all have been to me even over the short time I've been here. Hugs, MimsRose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Mims, Sorry I don't have any advice because I'm not there yet. But will read all post speaking about college.. I'm so happy for you and to hear your son is ready for college.

Yes, time does go fast. That is so awesome !!! just wanting to send you a Hug and wishing your son the best ... and the best education in college. I hope you keep us posted on how he's doing and what you did decide to do. Hugs RoseMims Batts <mimsnj > wrote: My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared. Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready to be on his

own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are: Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose this disability or not? I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that deal with learning disability needs. He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another "professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision. Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated! Mims Looking for last minute

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Thanks so much for the info. It sounds like your daughter has done very well. I see nothing wrong with compensating! Heck, if it enables her to get the job done and doesn't lead to any other problems, then all is well! Good for her! Thanks for passing on the info that the doctor told you. It sounds like the same thing the counselor told my son today. I have a feeling even if we don't disclose 's AS on his applications, he'll disclose it himself at some point. He's on a kick lately about wanting to be an advocate and educate others about AS. Amazing isn't it.. that you can pay the bills, but the school won't talk to you. I get the same treatment from the cell phone company because the service is in my husband's name, yet I pay the bills. LOL It also irks me that the psychologists and

counselors at school don't tell either. As the parent who is legally responsible for the child and as the one who pays for the service, I have had a hard time getting used to this. Luckily, I'm comfortable and feel I can trust the psych he sees now for counseling. Thanks very much for your input. I appreciate it! Mims"linda.layton" <linda.layton@...> wrote: I feel your pain...I'm about ready to send my second one off tocollege and it seems like just yesterday

he was wearing a batcape andjammies with feet in them!I am a teacher with a passion for kids on the spectrum but not aparent of a child with autism. However, my oldest daughter wasdiagnosed with a significant learning difference in math as a senior (I know, how did a teacher let THAT escape? She learned to compensatewell and another issue that led us to a full psych eval determinedthis...bad moment for me as a mom) When I spoke with the DR. whodiagnosed this and we talked about college he said that colleges areresponsible for providing accommodations to students with learningdifferences. He told us at the time that his report should be enoughto get her the services, but if not a letter from him would work. All that said, my daughter is quite strong willed and has refused togo to the University to disclose this. With all the new laws, we can'teven talk to people there. We can pay the bill but we can't

discussthings concerning her with them! She is still finding ways tocompensate and doing OK and it is now her sophomore year. She is attending a small private Christian school in Dallas. Sheloves the smaller class sizes and the ability to get to know herprofessors. I don't know how much I've helped, but that was our experience. As a teacher I'll be interested to hear what other people have to sayas well. >> My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how thishappened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to startfirst grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday. He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working onSAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared.> > Can

anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're thinkingthat he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not ready tobe on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to mid sizecollege so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are:> > Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclosethis disability or not? > I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that dealwith learning disability needs. > He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enablehim to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm notsure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study assessments.I really don't want to open another can of worms dealing with another"professional" that will rock the boat with inappropriate comments. Ifigure we'll see how this SAT goes and then make a decision.> Any thoughts or

suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!> Mims > > > ---------------------------------> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.>

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Dear Mims,

We too are facing college. Our ds graduates in May. We've had

colleges call because he had a score of 24 on his ACT. We've put the

calls on speaker phone and made it a group conference. He did kinda

want to attend the tour of these colleges but we've strongly

encouraged and gave him reasons why the local college is giving him

alot of benefits. Close, driving, cost less due to being able to

stay at home, and etc. We've gone to the college and sat down with

the intervention specialist. Our ds does not have an IEP but he does

have a psycholigical report which is what is needed at college.

We've discussed the options he might have in this college. We had

him to fill out the application. He does have to sign a paper each

quarter in order for his professors to have access to his diagnosis

and requests for whatever accomadations are available to him.

I have been very worried but I'm finally seeing possibilites he

will do ok. " He's a great kid " are always the comments we get from

his teachers. But, he was a student who was quiet and never spoke up

for himself. Yes, I now know that is a part of his asperger. But we

didn't realize that until earlier this school year.

Now that he has a diagnosis and we've been learning more about

his needs and asperger (wow) it's been harder and easier at the

same time.

Our son is not ready to live on his own, but maybe in a couple of

years.

I urge to speak to a college that you might be thinking about

your son attending and speak with their disability specialist or

sometimes its called intervention specialist. Get their help in

knowing what your son has for options there.

It was a good move on our part to go and take our son with us.

So, I encourage others to do the same.

Best Wishes,

Ginny

>

> My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this

happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start

first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday.

He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working

on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared.

>

> Can anyone give some advice on this college issue? We're

thinking that he'll live home and attend a nearby college. He's not

ready to be on his own yet in dorm life. We're thinking small to

mid size college so he's not overwhelmed by a huge campus and

student body. Specific questions we're dealing with are:

>

> Do we include AS on his applications? Is it better to disclose

this disability or not?

> I've noticed that some colleges have entire departments that

deal with learning disability needs.

> He's never had an IEP. I've considered getting one to enable

him to get special considerations while taking the SATs, but I'm not

sure if it's worth putting him thru all that child study

assessments. I really don't want to open another can of worms

dealing with another " professional " that will rock the boat with

inappropriate comments. I figure we'll see how this SAT goes and

then make a decision.

> Any thoughts or suggiestions would be greatly appreciated!

> Mims

>

>

> ---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Mims, my 19 yr old son is in his 1st year at our community college.

Luckily it is right across the street from where I work, so I drive

him (no license yet, but wants it).

He also has diagnoses of OCD and dysgraphia. I opted to go ahead and

disclose all to the college to set up his 504 Plan. That way

it's " all there " from the beginning and we wouldn't have to hurriedly

do anything later if difficulties arose. We did have to say how we

thought he might be affected at school, what accommodations he might

need. We really weren't sure until college classes began. So it was

all put down and then he could use the accommodations " if needed. "

So far so good.

He needs to make his teachers aware he has a plan, meet with them to

go over it. The counselor met with him and teachers (set it all up)

the first semester, he could tell my son wouldn't exactly " advocate "

for himself. I don't think they met at all this 2nd semester since

he hasn't had any problems (yet --- he does have problems keeping up

with reading and sometimes work, due to his OCD at this time being so

bad, but he manages to get it in/done at last minute).

Since his Aspergers sometimes affects him as to... " how " he does his

work...not sure " how " is a good word. Just his understanding

sometimes of what the teachers may be looking for in a written report

or something or the questions he may ask in class (lots of questions

sometimes, LOL) and different things, I wanted that " already

disclosed " if difficulty was to arise in some particular class or

with a particular teacher. Didn't want the college later wondering

why we waited to disclose it. So perhaps you can say you just want

the college/teachers aware of it " in case " difficulties arise if you

don't feel he needs any supports at the beginning.

My son did okay on the SATs. He did attend the Saturday prep classes

for it and was really glad he did. He had not really understood some

part of it until he took the class; then he understood what SAT was

looking for with his answers. (not the math part but some other part

of it)

Quick thoughts,

>

> My 16 yo is preparing for college. (I have no idea how this

happened! The last I knew he was picking out a lunchbox to start

first grade!) He takes his SAT's for the first time on Saturday.

He's already taken the PSAT's a couple times, and he's been working

on SAT home program for a while, so I think he's prepared.

>