Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome" by Ann Palmer is a 'must read' for any parent whose child is preparing for the transition beyond high school. A step-by-step practical guide to making the college decision and to achieving college success, this book handily addresses the concerns and issues all parents face regardless of a child's need level. As my own son with AS prepares for college in the fall, I am comforted by and look forward to incorporating Mrs. Palmer's tried-and-true methods for both realizing and holding onto the dream throughout his college years.

WONDERFUL book. Full of helpful information for parents of children with HFA or Aspergers who dream of their child going to college. I recomend reading in 9th grade for a good picture of what's to come and what you can do to help pave the road for your ASD child. I got it from the library, but will make this a purchase!

Written by a parent, for parents. Simple and easy to read. You won't get lost in medical lingo

Imagine that your local ASD parent support group has a member whose son has gone away to college successfully. You know this mom must have done tons of research along the way, from the time her son was first diagnosed until she was moving him into his dorm. She agrees to speak at one of your group meetings. What would you like to ask her?

The answers to your questions are in this book. It's a very personal account of how one family successfully prepared their HFA son for college. When I first began reading, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to use the information in the book because my son's situation is so different from that of the author's child. However, once I got past the sections on early childhood and reached the account of the high school years, I was able to apply the information to my family's situation.

I found the chapter on possible accommodations in college especially helpful. If your child receives any accommodations or services now, you know that it can be hard to find out what is available. I've found that other parents are often the most useful source of information on accommodations, and Ann Palmer proves that to be true.

I also found it very helpful to have a parent's view of how to help a child on the spectrum to become his/her own advocate. I had become nervous reading over and over that college students must be their own advocates, without having an example of how to hand that responsibility over to my son. This book helped with that.

The last chapter, on careers, is a useful introduction to what might come after college. The book also includes a helpful resource list and a sample self-disclosure form.

I got this book through interlibrary loan, but plan to buy my own copy to refer to over the next several years.

As my Asperger's son graduates from a 2 year technical school tonight, I must say that without this book, I doubt we would be where we are today. Ann Palmer, thank you so much!

I purchased this book on the recommendation of my college age AS child. I wanted to learn how to provide support and guidance becoming a "helicopter" parent. I was not disappointed. Written from a parent's experiences, this book was practical without being simplistic and optimistic without being naive about the challenges facing AS students. The web sites and other reference material were also very helpful.

In brief: I echo all the laudatory remarks written above. Excellent, very "human" book. Another superb and quite new (2009) book on the subject is "Students with Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel," by Lorraine E. Wolf, Ph.D.; Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D.; and G. Ruth Kukiela Bork, M.Ed. These two books together provide parents of teens with AS a thorough grounding in what to expect and how to sidestep potential "landmines" during the transition to college.