Where to go What to do?

[Tashia]

I am a mother of a 13 year old, relatively high functioning, verbal autistic child and am looking for options for transitioning after high school. Figured I had better start early.

He has a lot of interests, space, art, computers, boy scouts, outdoor activities (camping, hiking, etc.) and I think he's very smart. Does anyone out there have an older child who has successfully found help in college level placements? What programs or options are available and where should I start looking?

Some of the possible career options I have considered for him would be along the lines of astronomy or computer animation, which are his areas of strength and greatest interest.

Any suggestions for transitioning through and after high school? I am afraid he may require a supervised living arrangement and someone to look after him in a college setting.

[swimmom200]

I too have a 13 yr old son with high functioning autism. Did you know they can stay in high school til they're 21 or 22. I don't know if I'll keep Eric there that long, but at least it's an option if he's getting some good job skills. I really don't think my son could handle the social stuff that goes with college along with some of the classes that aren't concrete. But, I am hoping he can be trained for a descent job. My son is also very verbal and smart. I'll be there are a lot of jobs working with computers--that'd be great if your son could be trained to do that. A friend of my mom's son is just starting college, he has some special needs, but is not autistic--and there is a special ed teacher right on his dorm floor to watch out for him. I thought that was wonderful. It's a college in Ohio, but I can't remember which one. I think there are a lot of options for our kids and I hope the counselors will help us with that when our kids start high school. My son just started 8th grade. Talk to you later. Teri