TBI and College

[Debbie]

My son is 18 and a senior in high school. He suffered a TBI at age 6. He is doing okay in school, but has the typical effects of TBI - short term memory and organizational problems. Although he has an IEP, some teachers just don't understand his problems. Because he looks "normal", they often assume he is just lazy or isn't trying. He works very hard, but needs extra time to process information. He often forgets to turn in assignments, too. Teachers this year are being very patient and forgiving and allowing him to turn assignments in whenever he realizes that he forgot them. This was not the case last year - he got some pretty low grades because of completed homework that he carried around in his folder and forgot to turn in.
He has been accepted at a small college about an hour from home. I am very concerned about him living on his own, having no one to remind him to turn in assignments, finding his way around campus, etc.
Has anyone been through this? He has good study skills and qualifies for services through OVR, so I'm not actually as worried about the academics as I am about his life skills. I am also concerned that he is very naive and gullible. I would appreciate any suggestions or reassurance anyone has to offer.

[Jaclyn M. Kratzer]

Debbie,
This is a big step and sometimes a culture shock. I would check with the college disabilities services office to see if they can offer support. Before he moves try to look for things that would help him with ADL's (activities of daily living) and remind him of things. Maxiaids (www.maxiaids.com) have some low cost sensible products that I found that were great for anyone.

Jaclyn