What Happens After High School?
Published: Saturday, 25 October 2014
Written by Super User
Parents of teens are concerned about what those young adults will do after high school.
Parents of children with special needs have an additional layer of concern as their children may have struggles getting training or getting into college. So what can a parent do?
College or Not?
Many students on the spectrum or with other special needs are smart enough to get a post-secondary education, but have not even considered it.
They feel that because they would need accommodations to be successful it isn't worth pursuing.
This is NOT true. Colleges and universities are required to provide some accommodations to any student who meets the qualifications set out in the Disabilities Act.
This includes students on the autism spectrum as well as those with learning difficulties, health issues and physical limitations.
Now that more colleges have implemented programs to support students with special needs high school students need to begin preparing as early as freshman year.
Planning ahead for the right classes to take, learning additional life skills and preparing for those dreaded entrance exams are all part of getting ready for college.
For some students the classes and life skills are the easy part - the idea of taking a timed test can cause such extreme anxiety that they are not able to take the test at all. These students should consider requesting special accommodations for the ACT or SAT test.
Failing the SAT or ACT can be devastating. A low score can severely limit the colleges that students can apply to. Even with high grades a low score can make it far more difficult to be accepted at the college of their choice.
As parents we all want our kids to have the best future possible so it is vital to get them the accommodations they need to ensure they get the best score they can.
Here is a brief list of some of the accommodations available for the SAT:
Extended test time
- Additional breaks and longer breaks
- Computer accommodations for essays
- Adaptations in the presentation of the test
- Adaptations in the setting for sound, seating lighting and many others
The ACT also provides special accommodations:
- Extended test time
- Adaptations in the presentation of the test
- Adaptations in the setting
Applicants who want to receive special accommodations should begin the application process early to ensure it flows through the entire process before the deadline for the test date they prefer. For example if your student wants to take the ACT test it would be a good idea to apply now for the February test date.
Both tests require specific documentation to be submitted in order to receive special accommodations and this process can take time.
If you are interested in more information on accommodations for these important tests, please request the Complete Guide to Special Accommodations for the ACT/SAT Tests today.
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Employment Training
The number of programs available to help young adults on the spectrum get job training is extremely limited.
Parents of students who don't want to go to college should consider getting involved in training programs while still in high school.
This is an area where it is important to network with other parents and with local autism support organizations. Often there are parents who are so frustrated with a lack of services that they create something for their own child. These grass roots organizations and services then spread through word of mouth.
Another option to consider is the possibility of creating a new business. The media has been featuring a large number of people on the spectrum who have taken their special interest or talent and turned it into a profitable small business. This allows them to do what they love and become financially independent.
As the population of individuals on the spectrum ages the demand for services for young adults will only increase. We are dedicated to helping parents of autistic kids as well as teens and young adults on the spectrum.