 At the age of three, when Ann Palmer’s son, Eric, was diagnosed with autism, college did not seem like a possibility. Getting through each day and the endless therapy sessions became her focus. She did not seriously consider college for Eric until the end of middle school when he brought home a sign-up sheet for his high school courses. He had to choose a course of study: certificate, college or vocational? Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent’s Guide to Student Success by Ann Palmer (October 2005, Jessica Kingsley Publishers Hardcover, $19.95; 1-84310-801-1; 176 pages) shares the strategies she used to help her son successfully complete his college education.
According to the U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999) autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. Contrary to popular perceptions, autistics have a wide range of abilities. An autistic on the higher-end of the autism spectrum can receive a mainstream education (including college), live independently and have a successful career and family life.
After word spread in her local autism community that Eric had been accepted into a university, Ann Palmer became the person to call for information about college. Her colleagues at TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and other Communications handicapped CHildren and adults) invited her to do a presentation at a conference which led to her writing Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome. She gives parents and professionals practical information on making the decision, the admissions process and strategies to help the student graduate. She talks frankly about letting her son become independent by learning to advocate for himself. This was not easy for a woman who spent so much time and effort during his childhood getting him the services he needed for his disability. Letting him make his own mistakes and find his own way was a huge adjustment for her. As she looks ahead towards Eric’s career prospects she says, “We will continue to do what we have always done: prepare and plan for changes, work on areas of need, build on strengths, and always respect Eric as an individual with his own perspective and choices.” This philosophy exemplifies the type of advice Palmer’s book offers to help others realize their college dream.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
