Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey everyone,
I’m autistic and have mental health issues. I'm currently under a community mental health team and they've referred me to a specialist service. I am currently waiting to hear from this specialist service. I am currently 23-years old, but will be 24 in June.
After I am done with the specialist service, I’m thinking of going to college but here’s the thing. I want to do A-Levels. The closest college that does A-Levels for adults is over an hour away from me. I couldn’t travel there unless I moved there. That college is still in Essex but it’s just quite far away from where I live. Getting there everyday would be tiresome, so the easier option would be to move near the college. The reason why I want to do A-Levels is because I done well in my GCSEs and A-Levels offer more options than any other Level 3 qualifications. Also, I am fixated on the idea of doing A-Levels.
So, I was thinking about just moving away to an entirely different county in England and just living there for a few years. The county I was thinking of was Hampshire (or Dorset). Hampshire have a few good colleges. I so badly want to do A-Levels because I am more than capable. I can’t do online A-Levels because the ones I want to do are practical ones like fine art, graphics and illustration and media studies. I got quite good GCSE results a few years ago. Here are my grades (from newest to oldest):GCSE Japanese – A gradeIGCSE English – A* gradeGCSE Media Studies – C gradeGCSE Maths – C gradeGCSE Science – C gradeGCSE Citizenship – A gradeGCSE Catering – C gradeSo those are my GCSE grades.
I do have a plan on how I'd move to Hampshire or Dorset. I know what college I want to go to. However, I have always lived with my mum and never lived without her support. I want to learn to be a lot more independent. I'd have to learn how to do my own washing of clothing and possibly ironing too. I do honestly think when I'm better that this would be a really good experience for me! I'd lodge with someone my age, or a family with children and/or pets. I wouldn't go with a single male by myself. My sister thinks I should go for it, but I need to hear back from the specialist service first.
So, would you move away for college as an autistic adult?
I have other factors that prevent me from moving so I had to pick colleges and Uni close by.With that said If you are thinking of moving to Hampshire and going somewhere like HSDC chat with Former Member who has knowledge of that area that may help you if you need to find new resources and support when/after you move.
The college I really want to go to is in New Forest. It's called Brockenhurst College. They take on adult learners too! Thank you for the link for Debbie. :)