Parents of children with autism face a challenge when high school comes to an end, because college life may not always be the next best step.
But Tarrant County College is trying to help those students further their education in a program that is now in its second semester.
Heading off to college can be daunting with larger campuses, more strangers and tougher courses. For those with autism and Asperger's, it can be even more challenging.
"The social challenges are what seem to be the biggest thing," said Kim Newsome, an adjunct instructor in the program and whose son is on the autism spectrum.
"Just to throw them into college would be very difficult," said parent Ed Dillon.
"It's either regular college courses, which might not be the solution, or it's nothing and they're just sitting at home doing nothing," said parent Robin Badger.
At TCC's Southeast Campus in Arlington, the school is doing something about those challenges that students with autism and their parents face the transition from high school to college.
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"It's very scary to wake up that morning after graduation and think, 'What now?'" said O.W. Petcoff, a parent and former special education teacher.
Petcoff's son, Desmond, is in his – and the program's – second semester of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Program along with 18 other students.
"This really helped to give us some direction and hope, that there's hope out there," she said.
It's hope that these students can go to college and then reach their life goals.
"To be an entrepreneur with my own television company or wrestling company," said Desmond Petcoff.
"To be a guitarist and a wildlife drawer," said Ryan Bishop, Badger's son.
TCC has had courses for adults with autism and other disabilities for years through its First Choice Program at the southeast campus, but the new autism program is designed to benefit those lost in the shuffle between high school and college.
"If we're able to bridge the gap between high school and college and get them prepared to go to college, I mean, that's really what we're trying to do," said Christopher Templeton, an adjunct instructor whose older brother has autism.
And if you ask the parents and students, so far the instructors and course are succeeding.
"Basically social skills," said Alex Dillon, of what he's learned in the courses. "And also a few others things that most of us really didn't know about."
"He's learning a lot about his disability," said Badger of her son, Ryan. "He's learning a lot about coping skills and learning how to be independent, which is a very good thing."
The program started last semester with 15 students.
The campus hopes to expand it into a two-year program with 30 students enrolled before the students are ready to take regular classes on campus. Alex Dillon is already scheduled to take culinary arts classes next semester.
Parents say very few colleges and universities offer programs like this to ease students with autism into higher education.
"I'm very grateful for TCC for having this program," Badger said. "He's learning a lot and he's implementing it at home and in his life. It's been a very positive thing."
