(This is a continuation of an interview started on Wednesday, December 22nd with a current college senior with OCD and Tourette Syndrome.)
Me: Parents are understandably concerned that their kids, particularly special needs kids, won't have the support they need and are therefore hesitant to let them go away to school. When you have a problem, how do you fix it and/or to whom do you turn?
Zack: I call my parents if it's a real urgency, but most often I find myself talking to the friends I trust--my new second family. And if I think about it honestly, all my problems stemmed from miscommunications, and the way to fix them was just to communicate properly. Breaking it down and not being frustrated was key for me to be able to clear things up.
Me: What, if anything, do you wish your parents would have done differently during your last few months before college started to make the transition easier?
Zack: Stop being so controlling. 'nuff said.
Me: Have you used accommodations at college? What was your experience with that?
Zack: Well that was one of the reasons I chose Paul Smith's. As a student with learning differences and Tourette Syndrome, test taking was a huge concern for me and they offered me a most beneficial accommodations package. So I recommend if your child needs extensive accommodations, make that a major part of your research when looking at colleges. Then go with your child to the accommodating services office and discuss his or her options. Set it up so your child knows how and where to access the services--and then it's up to them once school starts. As an RA I've found that most freshmen don’t know there's such a great program to help them, and that's a shame and a waste.
Me: Anything else you want to say, Zack?
Zack: Before I left for college my mom said one very important thing that I feel all parents should tell their children before they ship them off to college. She said:
"During the first year we are going to be holding your hand (figuratively). The second year, we will be beside you. The third year we will be a phone call away. The fourth year you will be independent, and it'll be here before you know it so make sure to enjoy college life to the fullest, capiche?"
Me: Zack, thank you so much for giving us this time between finals and your travel cross country to visit your family for the holidays.
Zack: No problem! I'm all about getting the word out and helping other people. If anybody reading this wants to ask me specific questions, they can contact me through you.
I hope this conversation has made it clear that the right type and amount of support (not too little but also, not too much) can help set your special needs child on the right path for a successful, satisfying future. Finding the right fit is a process and if it is proving to be overwhelming, be sure to seek out professional assistance--either at your child's high school or through a consulting service.
Happy Christmas Eve!
