Kids With Autism CAN Attend College: Parents, Here Are 6 Steps to Find the Support You Need! by Jennifer Kirchoff


Kids With Autism CAN Attend College: Parents, Here Are 6 Steps to Find the Support You Need!

There are several resources available to help students on the spectrum make the transition to college! A great place to begin is with AutismNow.org. With our son successfully completing his first year, we also recommend the following:

  1. Make sure your child has academic and vocational support set up beyond high school. You should check your state’s Education Department resources.
  2. If possible, visit schools, identified as having targeted support. Here are two excellent resources through Forbes.com and Today.com.
  3. If these schools are not within your scope, research and call the Support Services Department at your college(s) and review their web of support, as well as their philosophy and success in working with different departments in terms of modifications available.
  4. Visit the college for a tour and ask if you can attend on a date with smaller groups to allow for less stimuli and more personalized attention.
  5. If your child would like to try and live on campus, but good sleep is vital to your child’s health and disruption to his or her routines would be very debilitating, consider having your child’s doctor write a letter to the director of housing, recommending a single room. Do this early, as these rooms are few (but more expensive) and your child can always move into a double or select a specific roommate eventually, when more adjusted to college life. Our son still lives at home, but plans on moving to a single for his last two years.
  6. Apply for scholarships and use resources reserved especially for students on the spectrum. Learn more about this through AutismSpeaks.org.

Above all, don’t get discouraged! With support, you can find the best fit for your child. We did!

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): What My Daughter With High-Functioning Autism Has Taught Me About Being "Normal"

Different Is Beautiful: Why Autism Acceptance Should Be Our Goal All Year

World Autism Month: 10 Facts About Autism By a Former Teacher With Asperger's Syndrome

Donna John
Your son is such an inspiration, Jennifer Kirchoff . You are helping so many other parents with this information.
Elisa Schmitz
Wow, tons of great resources for parents here. Thank you so much for this great insight, Jennifer Kirchoff ! You are making such a difference! Your son and you are both amazing.
Jennifer Kirchoff
Thank you for your kind words and support, Donna and Elisa! I am grateful to be able to start to share my son's story and hopefully help others, as this journey can often feel isolating and bleak at times. I am blessed with my son and daughter and with this wonderful newfound community in which to share and learn! ❤️

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