Paz Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 My dd is very bright. She is also dyslexic. She has the aptitude to go to college but it would probably not be a fun experience for her. Her second biggest difficult minus the dyslexia is sensory issues, particularly noise. A classroom setting, even a small one, is extremely stressful. The things she is interested in will probably not make tons of money (animal related- like having a dog sitting business) or she could probably do on her own (running a small business with start up help from family since we have experience in this). The type of college she would need to go to will probably cost $20,000 to $30,000 per year and she will probably not get much in scholarships because she is not a good test taker. Is she going to miss out in any way by not going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginevra Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 I'm curious why you say: The type of college she would need to go to will probably cost $20,000 to $30,000 per year and she will probably not get much in scholarships because she is not a good test taker. Why is there only a certain type of college available to her? I am not a die-hard believer that every child must go to college, but I still aim for that. Simply put, it is much harder - so much harder - to try to do college later than it is to go right out of school. So much better to just have it behind you, even if all you want to do is dog-sitting or be a mom. ;) Is there a community college you could try? Or how about correspondence college? I would rather do that than not aim for college at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paz Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes, she could do either of those options. In fact, the community college is close by, inexpensive, and some of her friends will probably go that route. I am just thinking she is going to need a small private school instead of a larger state university due to her sensory issues and the private schools I've looked at are expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 My dd is very bright. She is also dyslexic. She has the aptitude to go to college but it would probably not be a fun experience for her. Her second biggest difficult minus the dyslexia is sensory issues, particularly noise. A classroom setting, even a small one, is extremely stressful. The things she is interested in will probably not make tons of money (animal related- like having a dog sitting business) or she could probably do on her own (running a small business with start up help from family since we have experience in this). The type of college she would need to go to will probably cost $20,000 to $30,000 per year and she will probably not get much in scholarships because she is not a good test taker. Is she going to miss out in any way by not going? Have you sought treatment for the noise sensitivity? Some people are successfully treated through OT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes, she could do either of those options. In fact, the community college is close by, inexpensive, and some of her friends will probably go that route. I am just thinking she is going to need a small private school instead of a larger state university due to her sensory issues and the private schools I've looked at are expensive. Husband went to one of those, and the class sizes were smaller and more manageable. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asta Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 I have a severely autistic friend (who is, however, of genius level intelligence) who takes almost all of her classes online. She takes a couple at a local university with accommodations (study carrels, sound isolating headphones, recorded lectures, etc.), and does alright. This woman can. NOT. function in any manner that most people would consider "normal", yet she is "going to college". I would think she is a great motivator for anyone. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginevra Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes, she could do either of those options. In fact, the community college is close by, inexpensive, and some of her friends will probably go that route. I am just thinking she is going to need a small private school instead of a larger state university due to her sensory issues and the private schools I've looked at are expensive. Look at Astra's post. I would go a route such as that. There is so much in the availability of virtual schooling and on-line classes, I would try to work around her special needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCMom Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 My ds is attending the local CC. He hasn't had a class w/more than 15. Some of them started out with more but by the third week the class was halved. Also he prefers night classes (few other teens, lol) and they are very small. If he finishes at UNC, he will go to the smallest campus near us and again choose as many night classes as he can. He also has online classes or hybrids where they meet once a week in person and do the rest online. hth, Georgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Our community college has an animal care specialist certificate program. It probably also has an associate's degree in animal care, but the certificate program would have fewer required courses. There are general ed requirements for the associate's degree which would require more hours in the classroom. (Definately something to try for, though, if you think she can manage, especially with all the online options.) Here is the description of the program from the website: The Animal Care Specialist program is designed for students wishing to work with dogs, cats and other small animals, but not in the capacity of a groomer or vet technician. Students lacking qualifications to enter either the Professional Grooming or Veterinary Technology program may begin in the Animal Care Specialist program and at a later date request to transfer into another program. Employment opportunities include Animal Control officers, dog day care center operators, kennel technicians, dog trainers, animal shelter workers, dog walkers and pet sitters, retail shop owners and other occupations related to the management and care of pets. Students who wish to operate their own businesses or who plan to be employed as an Animal Control officer are encouraged to apply to the Associate Degree program. The certificate program may be sufficient for other employment opportunities. Perhaps there is something like this in your area? -Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeFL Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 I can think of many reasons... One being financial. If the finances aren't there, and the help isn't available, then sometimes it just isn't an option. Also, if the child doesn't have any desire to go. Also, learning disabilities can factor into that. My ds is dyslexic, ADD, and also has a pretty severe learning disorder. He cannot test well. At all. However, since he has never gone to ps (except K), he doesn't have any kind of IEP on record that would back this up and allow for any possible aids or accommodations. Online school really wouldn't be a great option either because he just can't focus, especially on a computer where there is so much temptation to facebook or google chat. That's not to say he'll never be a candidate for going to college; but not until he has a desire to focus and get take the courses and earn the grades and the diploma. Also, he's wanted to go into the military for as long as I can remember. Sure, as mom, I'd love for him to have a degree first so he can advance in rank; however, I cannot make him go that route. I'm sure there are myriad other reasons why one might not go to college. (I didn't even touch on spiritual reasons, although that opens up a whole other realm of reasons.) Regardless, I do think cc might be a good option for a child like yours. The classes are often much smaller than high school classes, and the professors are often quite dedicated. (And it's usually them teaching, as opposed to big universities where it is often grad students teaching.) Many classes are, as mentioned, offered as online options, as well. (Which would probably be good for any classes that *might* be big lecture hall type ones. All the best in finding a great fit for your daughter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paz Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Thanks ladies. You gave me a lot to think about. In the end it will ultimately depend on what dd wants to do. Of course I can give her some encouragement or direction in one way or another. Once she makes up her mind to do something she works hard to accomplish it so if she becomes motivated about what she wants to do career-wise there will be no stopping her. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyomarie Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Paz, I have some experience watching the children of friends of mine who have LDs go through community college for an associate degree. I believe in both cases these girls were not able to handle a full load of classes- they went maybe half-time? I know this can present issues with health insurance coverage, but from an academic standpoint, taking 6-8 hours/semester was a good choice. It took them longer to get through, but they persevered and completed their 2 year degree. One of these young ladies is now pursuing her bachelors degree after a bit of a hiatus from school. Do you have official documentation of your daughter's difficulties? If so, colleges will be able to work out accommodations. Community colleges sometimes are very good at working with students with learning challenges- I have heard good things about our local CC in that regard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paz Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes, we got her tested last year so we do have documentation. My ds had 2 semesters at our local cc and I think it would be a good fit for dd. It looks like they would be helpful and understanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-FL Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Paz, Have you started her w/dual enrollment? That would be the easiest way to go 1/2 time w/o the $$ considerations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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