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Starting University

HCW1965

Hello, my 17 year old son has recently been diagnosed. He has offers for places at universities and although academically he is very capable, the rest of Uni life will be a great challenge.

At the moment he is saying there is no point attending open days for new students as he thinks he won't be able to go to uni at all. The university he is most likely to attend isn't too far from home and is fully catered so is a good choice. But he finds the whole prospect overwhelming and is just not thinking about it.

We have contacted the uni about his ASD and they will offer support when he goes.

How can we convince him that he is capable. Even though he is expected to get A*s in his A levels, he thinks he is a failure and his life is going no-where. He has suffered with depression and we don't want the stress to affect his mental health.

Has any one any experience of this situation,  we just want him to be able to fulfill his potential, how can we help him.

Thanks in advance.

Parents

  • Would it be possible for him to visit the university on a 121 basis (i.e. with one student/member of staff showing him around, rather than attending an open day)? I'm wondering if the idea of an open day itself might be quite overwhelming, whereas it may be easier to take his time and ask questions if he's just with one person. They might be able to provide some reassurance about going to university too.

    Does he have any hobbies or interests? You could look at the clubs/groups available at the university (online or in the brochure); it might be a good way for him to meet like-minded people with similar interests.

  • in reply to DuckBread

    Yes this might be an idea,  1 to 1 may be better although he would have to speak with them which would be ok if he's in the right mood. He just needs to believe in himself.

  • in reply to HCW1965

    Perhaps he could write his questions down before attending? That way, if he finds himself struggling to speak, he could use the list as a prompt, or even give it to the guide.

    I hope everything goes well for him.

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