Asperger syndrome

Wheekypigs

I am a 20 year old who was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. I went to a grammar school and got decent enough grades at A-level (ABCD) and was accepted into Leeds uni. Unfortunately I didn't even last one term because the work load and lifestyle was too much for me. I became very depressed and went on medical leave but then I decided I didn't want to go back at all, so I quit. Now I'm back home with my parents and feel like crap because I can't work, am on benefits and have failed at adult life whilst all my old friends from school are about to graduate.

My adviser at the Job Centre recommended a residential college for disabled adults (Finchale college) but I don't think it's suitable, because I don't want to learn plastering or gardening. I want to do something more challenging, but I can't cope with university. I've looked for colleges specifically for autistic adults but they all seem to be for severely autistic adults and are more like care homes.

Do you know of any residential colleges that provide more challenging courses but also support for Asperger's (socialising, planning, eating correctly etc)? Do places like that even exist?

Thank you

kurgon

Have you considered the Open UNiversity. Discuss your needs with them and see if they are able to facilitate an appropriate course.

kelpie35

I think you would be best to contact your Social Work Dept Adult Services.

They would be able to advise you of any places that would be suitable to your needs.

Hope this helps you and try to keep your chin up :beer:

mumofkevinandperry

Hi, I saw a girl on Lorraine the other day who had Aspergers and she was supported by the National Autistic Society (some offshoot of that, sorry I can't remember the name).

when she got a new job, they went into the work place and did some initial training with her manager and I think some other employees.

Why don't you contact the NAS, they may well have some good advice on how to access some appropriate course/college?

All the best.

edgex

Universities have student support services
it's worth looking at what services leeds could provide, or look at whats available at your nearest uni

Savvy_Sue

Wheekypigs wrote: »

Now I'm back home with my parents and feel like crap because I can't work, am on benefits and have failed at adult life whilst all my old friends from school are about to graduate.

This probably won't help, but I have to say it anyway ...

You feel like that, but if you examine the facts, it's not true, at least not irreversibly true.

You can't work at the moment, because you have been unwell. This will not be the case for ever. You may need extra support in the workplace, but it's not impossible.

You have not failed at adult life, just your first attempt at living independently has not been successful, and that's because you have 'issues' which others don't. If you did but know it, lots of students fail to cope with their first year and drop out. You needed additional help, but didn't know how to access it. That's not your fault.

And I very much doubt if ALL your friends went to university, or that they are ALL about to graduate. Even from a grammar school.

There have been some good suggestions: there is help and support out there, you could consider re-trying university with appropriate support in place.

Prinzessilein

I have ASD (Aspergers and Dyspraxia).

I tried to go to Uni but initially found it too hard - and like you I had to leave. I eventually took my first degree with the Open University.

Working is not out of the question either! I held down a good job and became Head of Department before I eventually had to leave. (In my case some symptoms - in particular the Dyspraxia - got more severe as I got older....it doesn't happen to everyone!)

See your GP or Specialist you may find that a low dose anti-anxiety or anti-depressant will help you in the short-term.

Also, see if there is a possibility of having a chat with Social Services. I resisted having a Social Worker assigned to me...I'm a tad stubborn sometimes! - but he was terrific in helping me decide exactly what I need to help me stay independent.

If you find a Uni/College course that sounds interesting, make sure you talk to Student Services - they will know exactly how/if they can support you.

Good Luck!

OneYorkshireLass

I don't know what course you were on/what area you were studying in but you may have been better off at Huddersfield which is smaller, friendlier and has a decent student support service. I have been to both Leeds and Huddersfield and, like you, struggled with the lifestyle at Leeds and the city being widespread and the amount of people to contend with. Huddersfield was a miles better experience.

I also have your problem, that residential places are catering for those who are at the somewhat 'severe' end of the ASD scale and even social services are reluctant to waste their budget on me, deeming me 'too intelligent to warrant help'. It shouldn't be based on intelligence IMO - I struggle to run a household and will always do so no matter how 'intelligent' they think I am. I can talk the talk, but can't walk the walk so to speak ...

[Deleted User]

OP 2 things surprise me the first that you got into a russel group uni with ABCD,the second that you found the work in the first term difficult
there is help for disabled people at uni,did you make any effort to access that help before you gave up?

OneYorkshireLass

woodbine wrote: »

,the second that you found the work in the first term difficult

It does happen A friend of mine failed her first year at uni - she got AABB at A levels at grammar school and couldn't cope with the work at uni.

Savvy_Sue

woodbine wrote: »

OP 2 things surprise me the first that you got into a russel group uni with ABCD,the second that you found the work in the first term difficult
there is help for disabled people at uni,did you make any effort to access that help before you gave up?

OP didn't say the work was too difficult. It was the work load and lifestyle. Also unlikely to have accessed any help, as only recently diagnosed, I'm guessing since being home.

Also, I did my best to prepare DS1 for independent life before he went to Uni, but he resisted, as he resists any preparation of this kind. He copes with things as and when he needs to. Until he needs to cope, he can't cope with preparing to cope.