Special Needs Students Excel in College

Autism awareness and early detection of childhood disorders keep the population of special needs children expanding. As a result, colleges and universities across the nation have created programs that cater to the unique needs of these students. In addition, the instability of the economy has higher education officials scrambling to attract what is feared to be a dwindling number of college students, All of these elements combine to create an environment rich with college opportunities. Not only can special needs kids attend college; but they can do so with little or no cost.

Educational institutions across the nation are reporting positive results within the community identified as having disabilities. Students with special needs tend to carry a heavier class load than those with no disabilities. Even so, those with special needs maintain or surpass the average campus GPA (grade point average). The U.S. Department of Education notes that the success rate of disabled students continues to grow and runs nearly parallel with the success rate of non-disabled students.

Special needs students have been described as being more educational persistent than those without disabilities. They return again and again to the classroom until they reach their goal. And their goals are high. From community colleges to PhD programs, these students are demonstrating that it's not their needs that make them special, but is instead who they are as individuals.

If your child has already graduated and you want to reconsider college, it is not too late. In fact, some students benefit by waiting a year or so after high school to enter college. This is especially the case for students with social impairments such as those on the autism spectrum. The lag in maturity caused by these conditions is somewhat regained by delaying or experiencing college in small steps.

Wondering how to start the pursuit of a secondary education? The first step is to talk to your child. Don't focus on what your child can't do. It is highly likely that your child possesses skills you don't even know about. As parents we've spent years protecting and nurturing our remarkable kids, but sometimes we protect too much. When we step back to let our children toddle on their own, they frequently surprise us by opting to soar with the eagles instead.

Make a list of things your child enjoys. Don't leave anything out. More than likely there is an occupation for your child's obsession. Try to look beyond the obvious. For example an autistic child obsessed with video games has more options than video game design. He or she may find employment with the National Weather Service recreating storms in video game format to help forecasters learn more about weather behavior. If there seems to be no career option, that's okay too. Many college students don't make career decisions until they are already attending school.

If you think your child isn't quite ready for a four-year college career, consider community college. Students can use the credits and experience gained in community college to transfer to a larger college or university when they are ready. Community college can also introduce special needs kids to college life one class at a time. The point is to explore opportunities you may have never before considered. Statistics show that special needs students have the ability, drive and determination to succeed in class they need only opportunity. And when class is over, they'll take their success into the world and make it a better place for us all.

www.crc.losrios.edu/Documents/research/DSP&S%20Study2006-2009.pdfhttp://nces.ed.gov/pubs99/1999187.pdf
http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=60