I am the mother of a high school junior. Like many juniors, he is starting to think about life after high school. He would like to live away from home and attend college. He also has a developmental disability, variously labeled "Asperger's Syndrome" and "Non-Verbal Learning Disability" or "NLD." There are 3 primary features of this disability, each of which adds complexity to decisions about college: 1) these kids struggle with social skills -- making friends, reading non-verbal communications, figuring out when they are being manipulated (or worse); 2) these kids struggle with planning and organization; and 3) these kids are prone to anxiety and depression. There are also many interesting and positive features of this disability that can make college a wonderful experience -- many of these kids are very smart, they experience the world in a unique way and their deep and focused interests in varied topics means that college and post graduate learning may suit them beautifully.
My son attends a private high school for kids with NLD, Asperger's Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. Many of the parents of Juniors and Seniors are trying to sort through the same college and transition issues that we are. Thus, the reason for this blog.
I have no idea where this will end up. I am starting with a simple goal -- to provide a place to share our information and experiences.
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