Some kids desperately want to attend college and live in a dorm, even though they can’t handle college-level academics. They are social kids who like to be around other young people. Maybe they want to get away from home and be more independent. They want to stroll across a college campus, get lunch at the dining hall, and play board games with friends. 

However, traditional college classes might be tough for them. Even with the support of specialized programs or the disability office, they are unprepared to take Sociology 101 or Introduction to Physics. 

It can be difficult for parents to tell their children that a traditional college isn’t right for them. Students in special education classes often get As on their report cards, so they might believe that they are on track for college like their peers. If a student’s path isn’t a traditional college, it’s best to start that conversation as early as possible so they aren’t too disappointed at the end of high school. 

We should lower the stigma around alternatives to colleges and increase information to parents. Too many students — regardless of their background — never finish college. Failure can be traumatic and expensive for the families. College experience programs are one of several options for students with this profile. 

Read more at The Great Leap, the autism newsletter