A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Description

How do you know which college is right for you? What happens if you don't get on with your roommate? And what on earth is the Greek system all about? As a university student with High-Functioning Autism, Haley Moss offers essential tips and advice in this insider's guide to surviving the Freshman year of college. Chatty, honest and full of really useful information, Haley's first-hand account of the college experience covers everything students with Autism Spectrum Disorders need to know. She talks through getting ready for college, dorm life and living away from parents, what to expect from classes, professors and exams, and how to cope in new social situations and make friends. This book is a must-read for all students on the autism spectrum who are about to begin their first year of college, parents and teachers who are helping them prepare, and college faculty and staff. A FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About! Foreword by Susan J. Moreno Acknowledgments Introduction 1. While You’re Still in High School Thinking about the rest of your life College fairs College counseling and advisors Finances Special programs/schools for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders/online options Standardized tests and college entrance exams Applications, essays, and recommendations Visiting campuses and pretending to investigate Picking the right college Grades Prom Graduation What about my friends? 2. Getting Ready for College Housing arrangements Dorm room essentials What else to buy or pack Important people Accommodations “Summer of learning” Orientation and registration 3. Dorm Life 101 Residence hall setups Move-in Buying and selling textbooks Meeting your neighbors Roommate issues To disclose or not to disclose? Avoiding isolation Meal plans/food Exploring campus 4. Academics Majors, minors, etc. Career goals (jobs, graduate school, etc.) Class sizes and aiming for the best seat Professors, teaching assistants, and graduate students Distance/online learning Grades/grade point average Exams Academic help and tutoring services Time management Advising 5. Professional Development: Career Prep, Involvement, and More! Resumé/curriculum vitae Involvement Internships Employment Interviews Clothing and dress codes Internet presence 6. Social Life and Social Issues Meeting new people Making friends Prejudice Student organizations Greek life (fraternities and sororities) Dating, sex, and relationships Nightlife and parties Weekends Sporting events Social media Drinking, drugs, etc. 7. Stress and Mental Health Homesickness Stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed Feeling lost Depression Your diagnosis Counseling 8. Living Independently Taking care of yourself Organization Weather responsibility Laundry Shopping Hygiene The “freshman 15” and how to avoid it Transportation/travel To drive or not to drive Finances Safety Health A life without friends—feelings of isolation 9. Home and Growing Up Parent perspective Guidance from parents Helicopter parents Coming home You’re an adult now! Helpful Websites Index Blank Page