The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Ms. Palmer will talk about making the decision about college, how she helped prepare her son for the transition, and issues he has faced in college and strategies that have helped him. She will also discuss the issue of self-disclosure and the parent’s role in supporting the student in college. Increasing numbers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders are going to college and there is a need for more information for parents and for professionals on how to help prepare the student for the transition and support them once in college. Ms. Palmer will talk about her experience with her son with autism who is now in his fourth year at a large state university. She will talk briefly about her son's early years following the diagnosis at age two and his school history in self-contained and full inclusion programs. She will then discuss how they made the decision about college and the different options of higher education programs and levels of participation that are possible. She will also talk about how to help the student make their own decision about college.

Ms. Palmer will tell the story of how she helped prepare her son for college and the creative ways she used to teach her son some of the things he would need to know, especially in the area of self-help and independence skills. Ms. Palmer also made a resource notebook for her son to use in college and she will describe what information is included. The importance of the orientation experience for the student and for the parents will also be discussed.

Ms. Palmer describes the supports available to students in college and what accommodations are possible through Disabilities Services and how to access these services. The importance of self-advocacy at college is emphasized and she gives suggestions of ways to prepare students for this important skill. There are legal differences in the parent's role as an advocate at the college level and this too will be covered. The issue of self-disclosure is a very personal decision and Ms. Palmer will share her son's way of disclosing about his autism diagnosis.

The presentation will also cover some of the problems that can happen in college and Ms. Palmer will discuss what has been difficult for her son and some of the strategies that have helped with organizational, academic, and social issues. Finally she will describe the positive outcomes of the college experience for her son and for her as a parent.

This presentation includes good information to help parents and professionals prepare and support a student on the autism spectrum in college. In addition it includes humorous and touching stories about one family's experience that will inspire families of individuals on the spectrum. It is appropriate for any parent or student thinking that college could be an option, and for any professional working with students or families considering college.

Ms. Palmer has presented on this topic at several conferences and workshops. A videotape of this presentation was recently requested and made for Virginia Tech University Disabilities Services office to use in presentations they give to students and parents. Ms. Palmer has done this presentation for state and national AHEAD (Association of Higher Education and Disabilities) Organizations and for local autism and Asperger parent support groups.

Ms. Palmer's book, Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2005 and will give families and professionals additional information on this subject.

Content Area: Education