Wow, yes it’s been a long time, but I’m back. Life does have a way of getting away from us. So here’s where we are….Ryan starts college on 9/30. We drive up to Ashland, Oregon where we are dropping him off in to the hands of Southern Oregon University! Oooh it’s been a long haul to get to this place. Sometimes, I don’t give Ryan enough credit for all of the hard work and stick toitiveness. But, I am his number one fan. I am a firm believer that not every person should or can be college bound. For Ryan, it will be a huge challenge. We have had long and sometimes painful conversations with him about his future – whether he should go to college, or go straight in to some kind of career path. Over and over, he said how much he wants to try college and that getting an education is important to him. Together along with his teachers, counselors and therapists we found a school that will help him to be successful. Southern Oregon University we believe will be his best chance. (And here’s the plug!) The university is small (about 7500 students), has a special program for students who have learning differences, and has a wonderful disability resources department. The special program is called UCAM. (Univeristy Counseling and Mentoring). He’ll meet with a counselor twice a week and attend a class once a week with the other program freshmen. Here’s direct information from the university’s UCAM website: “UCAM is a comprehensive, fee-for-services support program for students experiencing academic challenges. We know that, for a variety of reasons, some students need a coach to help them reach their academic best. Designed for students with executive function challenges, ADHD, ASD, GAD, and other learning differences and/or diagnoses, UCAM promotes self-advocacy, autonomy, and academic achievement. Our coaches work with students in weekly individualized coaching sessions. The mission of UCAM is to provide supportive and challenging coaching and mentoring for students with a wide variety of learning differences. Focused specifically on the individual student and the student’s own goals, UCAM staff help the student develop academic skills, self-efficacy, and an understanding of the unwritten curriculum on their journey to become resilient, self-directed learners. UCAM encourages students to fully integrate into campus life, recognizing that mental and physical health and social connections are integral to their success in college.” If any readers have any questions about the program I’m happy to answer them and also provide you with the programs contact information. Now if I can just stop the tears… although their happy ones!