Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success [Paperback]

Ann Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2005

Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome is both a practical and a personal account of one ASD student's successful experience of going to college.
This accessible book focuses on how to get there and stay there: deciding to go, how to get in and how to get the most out of it. Ann Palmer advises parents and professionals how to prepare the student for the transition from school and home life to a new environment and educational challenge, and how to support them through potential problems such as academic pressure, living away from home, social integration and appropriate levels of participation in college. She offers helpful strategies that will encourage and inspire parents and students and show that college can be a suitable option for students with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as the basis for a successful independent life later.
This book is essential reading for any parent considering college as an option for their child, disability service providers in colleges and for ASD students themselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Palmer relates a humble, gracious story of squiring a high-functioning autistic son to college. ...She thoroughly addresse[s] questions of self-awareness, disclosure forms, Eric's capacities for self-help, orientation, time management and exploiting resources. There's plenty of practical information in these pages, particularly about the college classroom environment. ...A story that rings with love and support, and a drive to help Eric achieve his potential through meaningful, appropriate challenges." - Kirkus Reports "This is a very comprehensive guide to college preparation, selection and success. The real-life, personal accounts of Ann Palmer and her son concerning his own path toward and through college life are a key and unique component to this work. I would buy this book if only for the excellent appendices! ...Our international organization will use this book as a reference for years to come." - Susan J. Moreno, President, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome "There are limited resources about this topic, and virtually none from a parent's perspective. I became one of the many TEACCH therapists in the autism community who referred parents to Ann Palmer when their high school children with ASD were considering college. I was thrilled when she told me of her idea of writing a book, and have now eagerly devoured every page. Her well-organized, practical ideas fill the pages in a 'user-friendly' manner, a perfect blend of personal insights and suggestions. Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome feels like a kind and experienced friend willing to sit down and share her and her son's fears, doubts, and successes, providing help for other moms and dads and kids as they embark for the unknown territory called college." - Catherine Faherty, TEACCH teacher, psychoeducational specialist, and author of Aspergers...What Does It Mean To Me? "Owing to vast improvements in therapies and diagnosis, high schoolers with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) have the option of going on to college. As a case in point, Palmer shares the story of her son, Eric, who was diagnosed with ASD at age three and after many years of therapy attended college. Interweaving personal experiences like preparing Eric for college with general information and resources results in excellent guidance for ASD students in high school or college and their parents. Of particular note are the chapters on support strategies (accommodations that can be made for the students), self-awareness/self-disclosure, and links for resources on disabilities on campus. Palmer has worked with professionals at the acclaimed Treatment and Education of Autistic and Other Communications Handicapped Children and Adults Program in North Carolina; her book makes an excellent complement to Judith Cohen's Succeeding with Autism: Hear My Voice. Strongly recommended for all academic and public libraries with ASD or education collections." - Library Journal --Library Journal

About the Author

Ann Palmer is married with three children, one of whom, Eric, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. He is now 24. She has 13 years' experience working with families of individuals with autism at Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children). Ann coordinated a volunteer parent mentor program that provided support to over 800 families in North Carolina. In her current role as Director of Chapter Relations for the Autism Society of NC, she coordinates over 40 parent support groups throughout the state. She is also the co-author of Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was the 2007 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843108011
• ISBN-13: 978-1843108016
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #350,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very valuable resource, June 11, 2008

By 

James B. Buehler - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success (Paperback)

I was sold on this book within the first couple chapters. We borrowed this from the library and by the time I started reading, I knew we had to have our own copy. Ann Palmer does a fantastic job of describing their transition into college without pushing the things that worked for them knowing that each individual is different. She modifies their experiences into a generic form that can be used by anyone. This could even be a resource for anyone not on the autism spectrum. I wish I had a guide like this before attending college. She starts off with a chapter on Elementary and Middle School. Then goes into a chapter on High School before getting to the College experiences. This transition is handled very well. Having the insights from the elementary through the college experience is very beneficial without focusing on the earlier years of school. The appendix contains a wealth of information as well with many book and web site references. We plan on using this when the time comes for our two asperger children (and one "normal" child) to make the college decision. Also, we'll take Ann's advice that she wished she had done some of these things sooner herself. If you are wondering if college is right for your child(ren) then this could be a helpful tool to make that decision and give you some things to concider.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for parents and professionals, July 5, 2006

By 

Laurie Quartermain "Training Specialist" (Raleigh, N.C.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success (Paperback)

Ann Palmer shares the information that she learned on her own journey to enlighten those who venture on this path. The chapter on summer learning sessions and college strategies will assist parents as they plan and prepare their child on the spectrum for college life. Professionals supporting these students will gain a better understanding of the difficulties that these bright students encounter. More than a personal story, Ann uses her knowledge and experience as a professional to mentor parents, professionals and individuals on the spectrum as they enter this new life phase.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wealth of Knowledge, July 11, 2007

By 

Hilda H. Jones (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success (Paperback)

This book is an invaluable resource for all college students and parents not just students with autism. A wealth of knowledge, I found myself using multiple color highlighters throughout this book b/c there were so many important things I wanted to remember and use.