Students with autism get help in college
July 9th, 2008
From The Associated Press/USA Today:
Students with autism-related disorders around the country are increasingly finding support systems to help them make the transition to college.
Dan Hackett, at left with peer mentor Kelly Coburn, is a 21-year old political science major at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. He relies on a program called Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities (AHEADD) to keep him on track and help with time management.
Families looking for the right college for autistic kids should ask whether a school has a counselor who specializes in autism, if professors receive training about it, and what academic accommodations, such as additional time for taking tests, can be made, experts said. Students also should inquire about social opportunities: Does the school have an autism organization for students? Would the university help find a peer mentor?
Also included: Tips for college-bound students with disabilities.
(AP photo)


