College and Disabilities

A little back story:
When dd was in middle school, counselors were concerned about her and did testing. One of the tests were for ADD/ADHD...which she didn't have. Husband is in the military. He got orders and we moved. This time to a bigger school and since dd never got in trouble, never disrespected the teacher, was quiet...basically a student that never gotten into trouble. She got lost in the shuffle. The school didn't even know who she was when they called me saying come to the school because she was disrupting class. I asked them several times if it is the right person...come to find out, wrong student. The school had other students that they were concerned about(drugs, student getting raped, substitute teacher having kids reusing needles in a class assignment,etc).
It is hard to go off post for testing unless you have a referral from your doctor. To get the referral needed something from the school. Since they didn't have a clue about her, it was hard. In the meantime, dd is struggling in school.
Husband retires and dd moves to another school. Now I don't have to go on post and see a civilian doctor. I get the referral I need. The teachers are familiar with her and has concerns as well as I do. We finally have answers, Aspergers Syndrome. Everything started to make sense. A 504 plan is set up for her for school and it has helped tremendously.
Because of the hypersensitivity to sound, she goes to a quiet room for testing.
Written and verbal language is still a struggle. Due to the deficiency, the results of her IQ testing was considered invalid. Her math skills is well above normal.
Looking at colleges, I know she does better in smaller groups(based on experiences). DD wants to play softball in college but I don't see much options for her. She still has quite a few meltdowns but not as bad as before. When trying out for school ball last year, it took 30 minutes to calm her down enough to get out of the car. Now, she goes guest plays for team without incident. I feel like softball is a safe place where she can interact with other girls her age...most of her friends are softball players, either from teams she guest played, her team, or met at camp/clinics.
I am kind of lost on finding a good fit that meet her needs, finding a degree plan that she is interested in and still be able to play softball.

Also, the school that she wants to go will most likely not accept her. She still filled out an application. She has already met and worked with the softball coach. She didn't like the suggestion of going JUCO, then transfer to her dream school.

My suggestion would be to talk with some college coaches and ask for their advice. College coaches run in a pretty tight circle and while the one you talk with may not be able to help there is a good chance they will know someone who can.

What JAD said!
and
Good luck!

Crystal, we had a girl in a similar situation with a similar background. If you clear out your inbox I will send you the school she plays for. It has gone pretty well there and it is not unreasonably far from you.

That said, have you gone through 'college confidential' or similar and plugged in some of your requirements. I have a feeling a smaller, quieter university may be a good fit. Some of the NAIA schools and D3 schools could be a great match and a lot of them love players who actively pursue them. Some of these universities with < 1000 students can be very nice - even if they are not as glamorous as some other schools.

A lot of D3 schools are "looking for a few players to round out our roster" even in the spring of senior year. Find some schools that are a good fit, and then look at softball. I don't imagine she can get support, but a lot of places will be happy to have a girl who can play join the team.

Being a special education teacher at the high school level, I know that there are colleges that have accommodations for students like your daughter. If your HS counselors are available I would reach out to them also. I would say the most important thing is to find a school that can assist your daughter with her academics and then see if softball is an option. Smaller schools usually pride themselves on their low teacher to student ratio which would allow for a more personal education.

My son never had a 504 or IEP in high school but always had a high anxiety level when in a unfamiliar environment. I was very concerned about his first year of college. We found a school that was a great fit for him and he was able to get free assistance with any issue that ever arose. He was able to meet once a week with a person to just talk and help relax in a familiar environment. He is now a junior and doing well. He "checks in" regularly with his counselor and I found out from that person that his check in's are usually 30-40 min. So there are institutions that will help and even take a vested interest in your DD.

It may take work but there is the right school. Never be afraid to ask them the hard questions. If you are not comfortable as a parent then make sure you look more.

Good Luck!

Not sure where you are located, but my alma mater, Muskingum University, was on the cutting edge of creating a great college environment for students with unique learning needs. Even if New Concord, OH isn't an option, they may be able to point you to some colleges in your area that would be good options.

marriard said:

Crystal, we had a girl in a similar situation with a similar background. If you clear out your inbox I will send you the school she plays for. It has gone pretty well there and it is not unreasonably far from you.

That said, have you gone through 'college confidential' or similar and plugged in some of your requirements. I have a feeling a smaller, quieter university may be a good fit. Some of the NAIA schools and D3 schools could be a great match and a lot of them love players who actively pursue them. Some of these universities with < 1000 students can be very nice - even if they are not as glamorous as some other schools.

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I cleared inbox out.