Our youngest child went away to college this fall. There is fear and trembling when a child goes away from home. Is she ready this? Did I prepare him well enough? But when a child with learning differences does this, a mom can have a panic attack at any time. This is my third trip releasing a child to college but my first with a child that has learning differences.
What does a child need in life skills? I think this has changed in the last few years but many are the same I needed 30+ years ago. Here are a few.
- He needs to have good hygiene skills. This is extremely important for those with social difficulties. Without knowing how to manage this area, life away from those who love this kid no matter what he smells like, it will be hard to make friends.
- Does he know how to express his wants and needs to those around him. The ability to communicate to professors, students people working at the university is crucial to success at school. These people need to understand exactly what this student is trying to communicate.
- Does he know where to go to find help in various situations. Should be ask his resident assistant or go to the disability office to find the answer to his problem?
- Can he handle the independence with responsibility? Does he get to class on time? Does he get his assignments completed and turned in by the due date?
- Does he remember to take care of daily/weekly responsibilities like laundry, remembering to go to the dorm cafeteria before it closes?
- Can he manage medications, illness and other medical difficulties that require him to seek medical, dental or optometry help?
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