My DD is going off to college in the Fall... I'm getting so nervous about social stuff situation

[Anonymous]

I have seven months left before my DD goes off to college and I feel like its a race against time to prepare her on the one hand, and on the other hand I feel like, either it will work or it won't. It's always so hard to describe her in a nutshell, but here goes. Strengths -- she puts herself out there, is always willing to join a club and try new things, she's a great reader, and likes to write. On the challenges side -- she has VERY (off the charts) slow processing speed, and once she got to about third or fourth grade friendships became very hard. Once language and emotions became more complex she found it really hard to navigate. She's going to a mainstream college and really hopes to make friends I know, and she is aware of, but very sensitive about, her challenges. I'm trying to figure out, after all the social groups and speech and language groups we did to get her to where she is, if there are any helpful books or strategies for older teens on making friends and keeping them. I'm excited for her on the one hand and really really nervous for her on the other and just seeing if there are any other supports I can give her with out time left before she goes.

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/01/23/yale-happiness-course-teens/

Free.

[Anonymous]

I have a very slow processing senior DS, so I entirely sympathize, OP! He's never had any close friends, so I don't even worry about that anymore, but I DO worry about executive function, practical life challenges and turning in assignments on time without working until 3am, which is what he's doing now in high school. Social skills are a bit problematic as well.

But first of all, he's got to get out more, start becoming more comfortable with using cash and debit, not doing laundry when he has nothing to wear, checking email twice a day, etc. BASIC ADHD stuff.

[Anonymous]

My DS is a junior but could have written this post. We are looking at schools that have supports for kids with adhd and processing issues in the hopes that he will have resources that he can utilize when he is away from home. I agree- they are either going to make it or not. Does her college have a summer pre- program where she can get the lay of the land and maybe get to know people before move in day? That is also something we are looking at as we visit colleges.

[Anonymous]

I know many schools have living and learning communities which might be something to look at. It would allow her to be a part of a smaller cohort that might help with making connections.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. In this case she’s going to a very small college under 2k but I will see if they have living communities.