Www.milestones.org



The Journey of Transitioning to College from Aaron and Lisa DanielpourSTAGE 1: Preparing for Success, 8th – 10th GradePARENTS:The time to help your studentFind their passions and interests, first for extracurriculars and community service, then for potential vocationsNavigate the many changes comingWork through their disabilityFunction as well as possible in the neuro-typical world (e.g. sensory issues, self-talk)The Parents’ Responsibilities:Monitor academic and social success without hovering Coach independent living skillsTransition the IEP process to include your teenCoach your child to learn how to self advocateHow Parents Can Help:Teach problem solving and decision making processConsider summer residential programsHave ongoing conversations about drugs, dating, and sexExpect the unexpected, improvise as needed Keep planning what your teen needs to learn nextTurn to resources you might find useful:Network with parents of teens the same age and a few years olderAsk therapists, interventionistsRead books, web sites, online forums; seek out conferences/seminarsPartner with school to give your teen best help possibleExtended time, right to take test in separate room in IEPCritical to getting same rights for SAT/ACTAssistive technologyFriendship/social skills groupsOrganizational and studying skillsTEENS:Use every opportunity to get help with your challengesBuilding strong relationships with teachers, therapists, interventionistsListen thoughtfully to your advisors’ suggestionsAttend social skills groupTurn to tutors and other specialists as neededLearn strategies for academic successStudying, note taking, and organizational skillsWork through tendency to think literally, e.g. when answering test questions and essaysAttend academy/teacher office hoursUnderstand each teacher has different style, methods, and expectationsGet a laptop through your IEP if possibleUse assistive technology (e.g. Inspiration)Seek opportunities for extra credit in classesFind your interests and strengths for extracurricularsIt’s ok to try something and change your mindSpeak up if you need support or a leader doesn’t seem to understand your disabilityGet as involved as you can with the activity and try to talk to the other teens therePay attention to what you really enjoy the mostUnderstand your disability, strengths, and weaknessesResearching/learning about my disabilityReflecting on my strengths and challengesWriting a letter to my future teachersTrying to handle things on your own vs. knowing when to ask for helpGet advice on quirks that will seem odd to neuro-typical world (e.g. sensory issues, self talk) – Ideas include…Stress balliPod with headphonesIsometric hand claspThink inside my head instead of out loudSTAGE 2: The College Application/High School Graduation Process, 11th & 12th GradePARENTS:Juggle academics and college prep with functional independent living skillsBalance how much to help vs. too muchDecision about when to start learning to driveTry to do steps early to give extra time, pace yourselvesPreparing for the SAT and ACT Get test accommodations early – extra time, separate room, using a computer for the essayUse one-on-one tutor who specializes in ACT/SAT prep and understands the disabilityPractice taking the test for long block of timeCommon to take both SAT and ACT to see which is your student’s best testChoosing colleges to apply to:Focus on schools that will support your student’s needs AND interestsPartner with high school guidance officeDo web research, including Naviance Start visiting schools by junior yearHandy Resource: Princeton Review K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADHDTiming tips:Start college essays summer before senior year Be prepared for time crunch first semester senior yearFinalize college decision based on where your student will have the best experienceSenior year spring-summer prep for college lifeHelp student work with college disability officeTry to get a single dorm roomKeep honing independent living skillsPlan for special quality family time, relaxationBe realistic in expectations, focus on positivesCelebrate your student’s successes, especially as college decisions arriveTEENS:Preparing for the SAT and ACT Start studying vocabulary earlyWatch for impact of literal thinking on test takingTake as many practice tests as possibleGetting test accommodations really helpsSee which test you do better on, retake that oneChoosing which colleges to apply toHow far do you want to be away from homeTake tours of colleges of different sizes, settingsThink about how easy it would be to find your way aroundWhat kind of campus environment is it – studious vs. partyingObserve if people on campus look happy, friendly, intense, studious, down, party happyAsk college students you meet on campus questions like: What was your freshman year like?What’s your favorite thing about going to this college?Are you glad you picked this college? Why?Prepare for College Interviews:Make a list of questions they are likely to askPractice your answersDo mock interviews with at least two peopleUse isometric hand exercise if you get nervous Tips for completing your college applicationsAttend sessions with college representatives at your high schoolBond with teachers who you can ask for recommendation lettersAsk teachers for recommendation letters with plenty of noticeReview your college apps for what they requireSTAGE 2: The College Application/High School Graduation Process, 11th & 12th Grade, continuedTEENS, continued:Tips for writing your college essays:Make list of essay questions and character/word limitsThink through what will make the most impactMake sure you look at all your college applications up front, not all use the common appGet advice from high school guidance counselor, tutorFinancial Aid and Scholarships:Ask parent to help you complete the FAFSA financial aid formsExplore the scholarships to apply forGet advice from guidance counselor and the organization College NowTips for the Senior Year Count Down:Remain dedicated to getting the best grades possible, avoid “senior slumpList specific independent living skills you want to learn, ask for helpThink about what else you need to know to live in a college dormConsider asking someone you’re interested in (don’t blush now!) or a group of friends to the prom and after-promKeep working on your organizational and studying skillsContinuing Asperger Moments to Watch for(a.k.a. potential moments of confusion):Prepare your student if military approach them (please note how deeply we support and appreciate the military)Endless emails and snail mail from prospective collegesCredit card applications sent to students, especially during college freshman yearHelp your student learn financial basics, such as checking accountFrom Aaron and Lisa Danielpour ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download